障

Phono-semantic compound:

阜 (언덕 부, “mound, hill”) — semantic, representing an elevation or obstacle.

章 (글 장, “text, pattern”) — phonetic, providing the sound 장.

The combination evokes the image of something standing on a slope or mound that prevents passage — hence the meanings “barrier” and “to block.”

장애(障礙) — obstacle, disability, hindrance

장벽(障壁) — wall, barrier

방장(防障) — fortification, defensive wall

피장(被障) — to be hindered, obstructed

The character is frequently used in both everyday and medical/psychological contexts (e.g., 시각장애, “visual impairment”).

In early Chinese, 障 was often used in reference to physical barriers, such as embankments or fortifications. Over time, the meaning extended metaphorically to mental or social hindrances, as in “obstacles to progress” or “disabilities.”

In Buddhist texts, 障 frequently appears in compounds such as 煩惱障 (번뇌장, kleśa-āvaraṇa) and 所知障 (소지장, jñeyā-varaṇa) — denoting “spiritual obstacles” that prevent enlightenment.