Understanding "挡住" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 挡住
• Pinyin: dǎng zhù
• Literal Meaning: “to block + to hold/stay”
• Primary Meaning: to block, to stop, to obstruct, or to keep something from passing through

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
  挡住 is commonly used when something physically or metaphorically blocks another thing. It can describe blocking a road, blocking someone’s view, stopping light, preventing movement, or holding back something.

In English, 挡住 can often be translated as:
- “to block”
- “to obstruct”
- “to stop”
- “to get in the way of”
- “to hold back”

The word often emphasizes the result: something is successfully blocked or stopped. This is because 住 works as a result complement, showing that the action of blocking has taken effect.

For example:
- 挡 means “to block.”
- 挡住 means “to block successfully” or “to block and hold in place.”

You can use 挡住 with concrete things, such as a car, door, wall, person, or umbrella. You can also use it with more abstract things, such as difficulties, pressure, or danger, although physical usage is more common.

• Character Breakdown:
• 挡: means “to block,” “to obstruct,” “to keep off,” or “to get in the way.”
• 住: literally means “to live” or “to stay,” but here it functions as a result complement. It suggests that the blocking action is effective and stable.

Together, 挡住 means “to block and prevent something from moving, passing, or being seen.”

3. Example Sentences

• Chinese: 那辆车挡住了门口。
• Pinyin: Nà liàng chē dǎng zhù le ménkǒu.

• English: That car blocked the entrance.

• Chinese: 请不要挡住我的视线。

• Pinyin: Qǐng bú yào dǎng zhù wǒ de shìxiàn.

• English: Please don’t block my view.

• Chinese: 这把伞挡住了雨。

• Pinyin: Zhè bǎ sǎn dǎng zhù le yǔ.
• English: This umbrella kept off the rain.

Cultural Notes (if applicable)

In Chinese, result complements are very important. Words like 住, 到, 完, 好, and 见 often come after verbs to show the result of an action. In 挡住, the 住 does not mean “to live.” Instead, it shows that the action of blocking is successful.

For English speakers, this is useful to remember: Chinese often describes not just the action, but also whether the action achieved a result. So 挡 is simply “to block,” while 挡住 highlights that something has actually been blocked.

Conclusion

挡住 means “to block” or “to obstruct.” The character 挡 means “to block,” and 住 adds the idea that the blocking is effective. Use 挡住 when something stops movement, blocks a view, keeps something away, or prevents something from passing through.