阻

A phono-semantic compound:

阜 (부) — semantic component, indicating terrain, mound, obstacle

且 (차) — phonetic component, supplying the sound (조 / zǔ)

The original image suggests a raised mound or terrain that blocks passage, from which the meaning to obstruct naturally developed.

阻 is common in formal, technical, and descriptive contexts, especially when emphasizing impediment or prevention.

Common compounds:

저지 (阻止) — to block; to prevent

방해하다 (阻害하다) — to hinder; to obstruct

저항 (阻抗) — resistance (technical)

차단 (阻斷) — cutoff; blockade

장애 (障碍 / 阻碍) — obstacle; hindrance

Verbal usage:

진행이 조되다 — progress is obstructed

길이 조하다 — the road is blocked

Unlike 止 (to stop) or 遮 (to cover), 阻 emphasizes resistance or blockage rather than mere stopping.

Related characters (obstruction & resistance):

障 — obstacle

礙 / 碍 — hinder

塞 — block; plug

止 — stop

遮 — cover; shield

Among these, 阻 conveys active impediment through resistance or terrain-like barriers.