Explanation at your level:
Hello! Today we learn a new word: 阻止する (soshi suru). It means to stop something. Imagine you have a toy car, and you want it to stop. You can put your hand in front of it. Your hand stops the car. That is 阻止する. It is like saying 'stop!' to something so it cannot move or happen. For example, a fence can stop a dog from running away. The fence 阻止する the dog. It is a way to block something.
The verb 阻止する (soshi suru) means to block or prevent something from happening. Think about stopping a ball from rolling down a hill. You might put your foot out to block it. That action is 阻止する. It's used when you actively intervene to halt progress or an event. For example, 'The police stopped the car.' means they used 阻止する. It's about putting a barrier in the way.
阻止する (soshi suru) is a useful verb for expressing the act of obstructing or preventing something. It implies a conscious effort to halt progress, an event, or a movement. For instance, you might say, 'We need to prevent the spread of misinformation.' Here, 阻止する fits perfectly. It's more active than simply 'not allowing'; it involves taking measures to ensure something does not occur or continue.
Consider the context: 'The team worked hard to block the opponent's attack.' This clearly uses the meaning of 阻止する. It's a versatile word applicable in various scenarios, from physical actions to more abstract concepts like stopping development or hindering a plan.
The Japanese verb 阻止する (soshi suru) translates to 'to obstruct,' 'to block,' or 'to hinder.' It signifies an active intervention designed to impede or prevent something from occurring, progressing, or succeeding. Unlike passive resistance, 阻止する implies taking concrete steps to create a barrier or stop momentum.
For example, 'The government implemented measures to obstruct the economic crisis.' This highlights the deliberate action taken. It can apply to physical movement, the spread of ideas, or the development of a project. Understanding the nuance between 阻止する and simpler terms like '止める' (to stop) is key; 阻止する emphasizes the *act* of blocking.
阻止する (soshi suru) is a formal and precise verb denoting the act of actively impeding, obstructing, or preventing the realization or continuation of something. It goes beyond a simple cessation and implies a deliberate effort to establish a barrier, whether physical, procedural, or conceptual.
In academic or strategic contexts, 阻止する is often used to describe measures taken to counter threats or undesirable outcomes. For instance, 'Diplomatic efforts were made to thwart the military escalation.' The word carries a weight of decisiveness and purpose, highlighting the successful or attempted prevention of a specific course of action.
Its usage often implies a counter-action or a protective measure against a perceived threat or unwanted development. The choice of 阻止する suggests a more forceful or strategic intervention compared to merely stopping something.
The verb 阻止する (soshi suru) embodies a sophisticated concept of active impedance and prevention, often employed in contexts demanding precision and formality. It signifies not merely stopping, but strategically obstructing or thwarting a process, movement, or event, implying a conscious and often forceful intervention against a perceived trajectory.
Historically and strategically, 阻止する can denote the successful negation of an advance, a plan, or an influence. For example, 'The historical accounts detail how the alliance managed to repel the invasion.' The term implies a significant effort and a decisive outcome in preventing something from achieving its objective.
Mastery of 阻止する involves recognizing its application in nuanced scenarios, such as preventing the spread of ideologies, obstructing technological advancements deemed dangerous, or thwarting political maneuvers. Its etymological roots, combining 'obstruct' and 'stop,' underscore its potent meaning of actively blocking passage or progress.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Means to actively block, obstruct, or prevent something.
- Often used for significant events, security, or strategic actions.
- Requires careful attention to context; can sound formal.
- Key kanji: 阻 (obstruct) + 止 (stop).
Hey there! Let's dive into the meaning of 阻止する. Think of it as the action of putting a halt to something, making sure it doesn't proceed. It's like being a gatekeeper, deciding what gets to pass and what has to stay put. You might 阻止する a car from entering a restricted area, or 阻止する a rumor from spreading further. It's all about intervention and control to prevent something from happening.
The core idea behind 阻止する is to create a blockage or a hindrance. This can be a physical barrier, like a wall stopping traffic, or a more abstract one, like a rule preventing certain actions. It's a powerful verb that signifies active resistance against movement or development. When you use 阻止する, you're emphasizing the act of stopping something in its tracks.
So, whether it's stopping a project, preventing an accident, or blocking an attack, 阻止する covers a wide range of scenarios where intervention is key. It's a versatile word that highlights the effort to maintain a status quo or redirect a course of action. Keep this image of a strong barrier in your mind, and you'll get the hang of it in no time!
The word 阻止する is a Japanese verb. Its kanji characters tell a story. 阻 (so) means 'to obstruct' or 'to hinder,' and 止 (shi) means 'to stop.' Together, they literally paint a picture of 'obstructing to stop.' This combination is quite direct and powerful, reflecting the core meaning of preventing progress.
The character 阻 itself has ancient roots, often associated with mountains or difficult terrain, suggesting something that is hard to get past. Imagine trying to climb a steep, rocky mountain – that's the kind of obstacle the character implies. The character 止, on the other hand, is simpler, often depicted as a foot or a footprint, signifying a halt or a stop.
When these characters were combined to form the verb 阻止する, it created a term that is both descriptive and impactful. It's not just about stopping, but about actively hindering or blocking the way. This verb has been a part of the Japanese lexicon for a long time, used in various contexts from physical barriers to more abstract forms of prevention. Its history is tied to the need to express the concept of active obstruction clearly and effectively.
You'll find 阻止する used in many situations where you need to prevent something from happening. It's quite versatile! For instance, you might 阻止する an enemy's advance on the battlefield, or a security guard might 阻止する unauthorized entry into a building. In a more everyday context, you could 阻止する a child from touching a hot stove.
It's often paired with nouns that represent actions, movements, or events. Common collocations include 侵攻を阻止する (to block an invasion), 発展を阻止する (to hinder development), or 犯罪を阻止する (to prevent a crime). The nuance here is that it's an active effort; you're not just passively letting something happen, you're intervening.
Formality matters with 阻止する. While it can be used in general conversation, it often carries a slightly more formal or serious tone, especially when discussing significant events like invasions or major disruptions. In casual chat, you might use simpler terms if the situation isn't critical. However, for clear and direct communication about prevention, 阻止する is a go-to verb.
While 阻止する itself is quite direct, the concept of blocking or hindering appears in many idiomatic ways in language. Here are a few related ideas:
- 足止めを食う (Ashidome o kuu): This idiom literally means 'to be made to eat stopping feet.' It refers to being delayed or prevented from moving forward, often unexpectedly. Example: 電車が遅延して、会議に足止めを食った。(The train was delayed, and I was held up from getting to the meeting.)
- 水を差す (Mizu o sasu): This means 'to pour water on,' and it's used when someone spoils a good mood, interrupts a plan, or dampens enthusiasm. It's a way of hindering enjoyment or progress. Example: 彼の批判は、みんなの楽しい雰囲気に水を差した。(His criticism poured water on everyone's fun atmosphere.)
- 壁にぶつかる (Kabe ni butsukaru): This translates to 'to hit a wall.' It signifies encountering an obstacle that prevents further progress, similar to the idea of being blocked. Example: プロジェクトは予算不足で壁にぶつかった。(The project hit a wall due to lack of budget.)
- 邪魔をする (Jama o suru): This is a more general term for 'to interfere' or 'to get in the way.' It's less about a complete stop and more about causing trouble or hindrance. Example: 勉強しているのに、弟がいつも邪魔をする。(Even though I'm studying, my brother always interferes.)
- 門前払い (Monzenbarai): This means 'to be turned away at the gate.' It's a strong form of rejection or prevention, where someone is stopped from even entering or presenting their case. Example: 彼はアイデアを提案しようとしたが、門前払いされた。(He tried to propose his idea but was turned away at the gate.)
As a verb, 阻止する conjugates like other standard Japanese verbs ending in 'suru'. This means its polite form is 阻止します (soshi shimasu), and its past tense is 阻止した (soshi shita). The dictionary form is 阻止する (soshi suru).
Pronunciation: The word is pronounced roughly as 'so-shi soo-roo'. The 'so' is like the 'so' in 'sock', 'shi' is like the 'she' in 'sheep', and 'suru' is like 'sue-roo', with the 'u' sound being very light or almost silent at the end. The stress is fairly even across the syllables, but you might feel a slight emphasis on 'so' and 'su'.
IPA (approximate): UK: /səʊʃi ˈsʊru/, US: /soʊʃi ˈsʊru/. Rhyming words are rare for verbs ending in -suru, but words with similar syllable structures like 'katsudō suru' (to exercise) share a similar rhythm.
Common pronunciation errors might include mispronouncing the 'shi' sound or adding too much emphasis to the final 'u' in 'suru'. Remember to keep the 'u' light!
Fun Fact
The character '阻' originally depicted a mountain path, symbolizing difficulty and obstruction.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'so-shee soo-roo', with the 'so' like in 'sock', 'shee' like in 'sheep', and 'soo-roo' with a light 'oo' sound.
Similar to UK, 'so' like in 'so', 'shee' like in 'she', and 'soo-roo' with a soft ending.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 'shi' as 'si' (like 'see').
- Over-emphasizing the final 'u' in 'suru'.
- Confusing the stress pattern with other verbs.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Requires understanding of formal contexts and specific collocations.
Choosing the right nuance and context is important.
Can sound formal if used inappropriately in casual settings.
Often heard in news reports or formal discussions.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Verb Conjugation (-suru verbs)
阻止する -> 阻止します -> 阻止した
Using の to nominalize verbs
走るのを阻止する (to prevent running)
Using ために for purpose
犯罪を阻止するために (in order to prevent crime)
Examples by Level
猫がドアを閉めるのを阻止する。
cat / door / closing / object particle / prevent / plain form.
The particle を marks the direct object of the verb.
雨が遊ぶのを阻止する。
rain / playing / object particle / prevent / plain form.
The particle を is used with verbs like 'play' (遊ぶ) to indicate what is being prevented.
石がボールを阻止する。
stone / ball / object particle / prevent / plain form.
The verb 阻止する is in its plain form here.
彼は走るのを阻止する。
he / running / object particle / prevent / plain form.
The verb 阻止する can be used with actions like running.
声が聞こえるのを阻止する。
voice / heard / object particle / prevent / plain form.
This shows preventing something abstract like sound.
火が燃えるのを阻止する。
fire / burning / object particle / prevent / plain form.
A practical example of stopping a dangerous event.
ドアが閉まるのを阻止する。
door / closing / object particle / prevent / plain form.
The particle を connects the action (closing) to the verb 阻止する.
彼女は私が行くのを阻止する。
she / I / going / object particle / prevent / plain form.
This shows preventing a person's action.
警察は泥棒の逃走を阻止した。
police / thief / escape / object particle / prevented / past tense.
The past tense 阻止した is used here.
高い壁が川の流れを阻止している。
high / wall / river / flow / object particle / preventing / present progressive.
The form 阻止している indicates an ongoing action.
私たちはその計画の遅延を阻止しようとした。
we / that / plan / delay / object particle / prevent / tried to.
しようとした expresses the attempt to do something.
彼の発言は議論を阻止するのに役立った。
his / remarks / discussion / object particle / prevent / was useful for.
役立った means 'was useful' or 'helped'.
新しい法律が環境破壊を阻止するために作られた。
new / law / environmental destruction / object particle / prevent / in order to / was made.
ために indicates the purpose of the law.
そのシステムは不正アクセスを阻止するように設計されている。
that / system / unauthorized access / object particle / prevent / so as to / is designed.
ように設計されている means 'is designed to'.
予期せぬ問題がプロジェクトの進行を阻止した。
unexpected / problem / project / progress / object particle / prevented.
予期せぬ means 'unexpected'.
私たちは火災の拡大を阻止するために迅速に行動した。
we / fire / spread / object particle / prevent / in order to / quickly / acted.
迅速に行動した means 'acted quickly'.
政府は、テロ攻撃の兆候を阻止するために警戒を強化した。
government / terrorist attack / signs / object particle / prevent / vigilance / strengthened.
警戒を強化する means 'to strengthen vigilance/security'.
そのスポイラーは、車の空気抵抗を阻止するように設計されている。
that / spoiler / car / air resistance / object particle / prevent / so as to / is designed.
空気抵抗 (kūki teikō) means 'air resistance'.
彼の介入は、紛争がエスカレートするのを阻止するのに役立った。
his / intervention / conflict / escalate / object particle / prevent / was useful for.
紛争 (funsō) means 'conflict'.
技術の進歩は、古い産業の衰退を阻止することはできない。
technology / progress / old / industry / decline / object particle / prevent / cannot do.
衰退 (suitai) means 'decline' or 'decay'.
私たちは、誤った情報が広まるのを阻止するための戦略を立てる必要がある。
we / false information / spread / object particle / prevent / for / strategy / make / need to.
広まる (hiromaru) means 'to spread'.
建設作業は、予期せぬ地質学的問題によって阻止された。
construction work / unexpected / geological / problem / by / was blocked.
地質学的 (chishitsugaku-teki) means 'geological'.
この法律は、子供たちを危険から阻止することを目的としている。
this / law / children / from danger / object particle / prevent / aiming to.
目的としている (mokuteki to shite iru) means 'is aimed at' or 'has the objective of'.
彼の冷静な対応が、事態が悪化するのを阻止した。
his / calm / response / situation / worsen / object particle / prevented.
悪化する (akka suru) means 'to worsen'.
外交努力は、紛争のさらなる拡大を阻止するために行われた。
diplomatic efforts / conflict / further escalation / object particle / prevent / for the purpose of / were made.
外交努力 (gaijō doryoku) means 'diplomatic efforts'.
そのソフトウェアは、マルウェアの侵入を阻止するように設計されている。
that / software / malware / intrusion / object particle / prevent / so as to / is designed.
マルウェア (maru'uea) is the loanword for 'malware'.
経済制裁は、その国の軍拡競争を阻止する手段として導入された。
economic sanctions / that country / arms race / object particle / prevent / means / as / were introduced.
軍拡競争 (gun'kaku kyōsō) means 'arms race'.
予期せぬ技術的障壁が、プロジェクトの完了を阻止する可能性があった。
unexpected / technical barrier / project / completion / object particle / prevent / possibility / existed.
障壁 (shōheki) means 'barrier' or 'obstacle'.
市民運動は、開発計画による環境破壊を阻止するために結成された。
citizens' movement / development plan / due to / environmental destruction / object particle / prevent / in order to / was formed.
結成された (kessei sareta) means 'was formed' or 'was organized'.
歴史家は、その王朝の崩壊を阻止しようとした数々の試みを記録している。
historians / that dynasty / collapse / object particle / prevent / tried / numerous / attempts / are recording.
王朝 (ōchō) means 'dynasty'.
この新しい規制は、市場の独占的な支配を阻止することを目的としている。
this / new regulation / market / monopolistic / control / object particle / prevent / aiming to.
独占的 (dokusenteki) means 'monopolistic'.
彼の迅速な判断が、さらなる人的被害を阻止する上で決定的な役割を果たした。
his / quick / judgment / further / human casualties / object particle / prevent / in / decisive / role / played.
人的被害 (jinteki higai) means 'human casualties'.
国際社会は、人道危機への介入を阻止しようとする試みに直面した。
international community / humanitarian crisis / intervention / object particle / prevent / attempts / faced.
人道危機 (jindō kiki) means 'humanitarian crisis'.
その企業は、競合他社の買収提案を阻止するために、防衛策を講じた。
that corporation / competitor companies / acquisition proposal / object particle / prevent / defense measures / took.
防衛策を講じる (bōeisaku o kōjiru) means 'to take defense measures'.
サイバーセキュリティ専門家は、国家支援型攻撃による機密情報の窃取を阻止することに注力している。
cybersecurity experts / state-sponsored attacks / by / confidential information / theft / object particle / prevent / doing / focusing on.
国家支援型攻撃 (kokka shien-gata kōgeki) means 'state-sponsored attacks'.
歴史的建造物の保存運動は、再開発プロジェクトによる解体を阻止しようと奮闘した。
historic building / preservation movement / redevelopment project / by / demolition / object particle / prevent / tried hard.
奮闘した (funtō shita) means 'struggled' or 'fought hard'.
その法律は、企業の反トラスト法違反を阻止し、公正な競争を促進することを意図している。
that law / corporations / antitrust law violations / object particle / prevent / fair competition / promote / aiming to.
反トラスト法 (hantorasuto hō) means 'antitrust law'.
戦略的思考は、敵対的買収の試みを阻止する上で不可欠である。
strategic thinking / hostile takeover / attempts / object particle / prevent / in / essential / is.
敵対的買収 (tekitaiteki baishū) means 'hostile takeover'.
検閲は、情報の自由な流通を阻止する手段としてしばしば用いられる。
censorship / information / free circulation / object particle / prevent / means / as / often / used.
検閲 (ken'etsu) means 'censorship'.
彼は、組織の腐敗を阻止しようと内部告発を行ったが、報復に直面した。
he / organization / corruption / object particle / prevent / tried to / whistleblower / did / but / retaliation / faced.
内部告発 (naibu kokuhatsu) means 'whistleblowing'.
その外交官は、国際的な緊張を煽るような行動を阻止するために、慎重な交渉を行った。
that diplomat / international / tensions / incite / such / actions / object particle / prevent / careful / negotiations / conducted.
煽る (aoru) means 'to incite' or 'to fan'.
企業は、知的財産権の侵害を阻止するために、多層的な法的措置を講じている。
corporations / intellectual property rights / infringement / object particle / prevent / multi-layered / legal measures / are taking.
知的財産権 (chiteki zaisanken) means 'intellectual property rights'.
地政学的な観点から、その国は地域における勢力拡大を阻止するための同盟を強化した。
geopolitical / perspective / from / that country / regional / sphere of influence / expansion / object particle / prevent / for / alliances / strengthened.
勢力拡大 (seiryoku kakudai) means 'expansion of influence/power'.
芸術家は、商業主義による芸術の変質を阻止するために、しばしば伝統的な手法に回帰する。
artist / commercialism / by / art / degradation / object particle / prevent / in order to / often / traditional methods / return to.
変質 (henshitsu) means 'degeneration' or 'alteration in quality'.
その法律の制定は、特定の集団による世論操作を阻止し、民主主義プロセスを保護することを目的としていた。
that law / enactment / specific groups / by / public opinion manipulation / object particle / prevent / democratic process / protect / aiming to.
世論操作 (seron sōsa) means 'public opinion manipulation'.
軍事戦略家は、敵の補給線を阻止し、その進軍能力を麻痺させることを目指した。
military strategists / enemy / supply lines / object particle / prevent / their / advance capability / paralyze / aiming to.
補給線 (hokyūsen) means 'supply lines'.
教育改革の擁護者たちは、画一的な教育システムによる個々の才能の開花を阻止することを批判した。
educational reform / advocates / standardized / education system / by / individual / talents / blossoming / object particle / prevent / criticized.
画一的 (kakuitsuteki) means 'uniform' or 'standardized'.
その作家は、権力による歴史の歪曲を阻止するため、詳細な歴史的記録に基づいて小説を書いた。
that author / power / by / history / distortion / object particle / prevent / in order to / detailed / historical records / based on / novel / wrote.
歪曲 (waikyoku) means 'distortion'.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"水を差す (mizu o sasu)"
To dampen enthusiasm, spoil a mood, or interfere with a plan.
せっかくの楽しい会なのに、彼の不平は<strong>水を差した</strong>。
casual"壁にぶつかる (kabe ni butsukaru)"
To encounter an obstacle that prevents further progress.
新しいプロジェクトは、資金不足で<strong>壁にぶつかった</strong>。
neutral"足止めを食う (ashidome o kuu)"
To be delayed or prevented from proceeding.
悪天候のため、飛行機は空港で<strong>足止めを食った</strong>。
neutral"門前払い (monzenbarai)"
To be turned away without being heard or allowed entry.
彼は助けを求めて役所に行ったが、<strong>門前払いされた</strong>。
formal"邪魔をする (jama o suru)"
To interfere, get in the way, or bother someone.
静かに本を読んでいたのに、友人が来て<strong>邪魔をした</strong>。
casual"一石を投じる (isseki o nagejiru)"
To cause a stir or provoke discussion/action, often by introducing a new or controversial idea.
彼の論文は、従来の考え方に<strong>一石を投じた</strong>。
neutralEasily Confused
Both relate to stopping.
停止する means to stop something that is in motion (e.g., stop a car, stop a machine). 阻止する means to block or prevent something from happening or progressing (e.g., block an attack, prevent a crime).
車を<strong>停止させた</strong>。(Stopped the car.) vs. 敵の侵攻を<strong>阻止した</strong>。(Blocked the enemy's invasion.)
Both can mean 'to prevent'.
防ぐ focuses on protection and guarding against harm or undesirable outcomes (e.g., prevent illness, protect from rain). 阻止する implies a more active, direct obstruction or blocking of something.
雨から身を<strong>防いだ</strong>。(Protected myself from the rain.) vs. 洪水が町に入るのを<strong>阻止した</strong>。(Blocked the flood from entering the town.)
Both mean to hinder or obstruct.
妨げる is generally less formal and less forceful than 阻止する. It often implies causing inconvenience or delaying progress rather than a complete block.
騒音が勉強を<strong>妨げた</strong>。(The noise hindered my studying.) vs. 警備員は侵入者を<strong>阻止した</strong>。(The guard blocked the intruder.)
Both mean to stop or prevent.
差し止める is typically used in formal, often legal or official contexts, to order or command that something must stop.
裁判所は建設工事を<strong>差し止めた</strong>。(The court ordered the construction work to stop.) vs. 彼はその計画の実行を<strong>阻止しようとした</strong>。(He tried to block the execution of the plan.)
Sentence Patterns
Noun + を + 阻止する
警察は暴動を<strong>阻止した</strong>。
Verb (dictionary form) + のを + 阻止する
彼は走るのを<strong>阻止された</strong>。
Noun + の + 拡大/発展/進軍 + を + 阻止する
火災の拡大を<strong>阻止する</strong>のは難しい。
Noun + を + 阻止するために + Verb
犯罪を<strong>阻止するために</strong>、警備を強化した。
Noun + によって + 阻止される
その計画は、予期せぬ問題によって<strong>阻止された</strong>。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
阻止する implies a more significant or deliberate act of blocking. For everyday small obstacles, other verbs are more natural.
While related, 阻止する is about prevention, whereas 停止する is about cessation of activity.
For example, 侵攻を阻止する (block the invasion), not 侵攻が阻止する.
防ぐ is about guarding against harm or negative outcomes, while 阻止する is more about actively stopping something's progress.
阻止する can sound overly strong or formal in relaxed settings.
Tips
Visualize the 'STOP' Sign
Imagine a giant, unmovable 'STOP' sign (阻止) blocking a path. This visual helps remember the core meaning of active obstruction.
Formal & Strategic
This verb often appears in contexts involving strategy, security, or significant events. It carries a more formal and decisive tone.
Particle Power
Remember to use the particle を (o) to mark what is being blocked or prevented: e.g., 計画を阻止する (keikaku o soshi suru).
Smooth 'Suru'
Practice saying 'so-shi soo-roo', making sure the final 'oo' sound in 'suru' is light and not overly stressed.
Don't Confuse with 'Teishi'
阻止する (soshi suru) is about preventing/blocking, while 停止する (teishi suru) is about stopping something already in motion. Think 'block' vs. 'halt'.
Kanji Clues
The kanji 阻 (obstruct) looks like a difficult mountain path, reinforcing the idea of a major obstacle.
Role-Playing Scenarios
Imagine yourself as a security guard, a general, or a diplomat. How would you use 阻止する to describe your actions in different situations?
Active Prevention
Emphasize the 'active' nature. You aren't just letting something stop; you are making an effort to stop it.
'Suru' Verb Conjugation
As a 'suru' verb, it follows predictable patterns: 阻止します (polite), 阻止した (past), 阻止できる (can prevent), 阻止できない (cannot prevent).
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a giant 'STOP' sign (阻止) made of stone (阻) blocking a road (止).
Visual Association
Picture a strong dam (阻止) holding back a raging river (the thing being prevented).
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe a time you had to stop something from happening, using 阻止する in your explanation.
Word Origin
Sino-Japanese (Kanji compound)
Original meaning: 阻 (obstruct) + 止 (stop) = to obstruct and stop.
Cultural Context
The act of blocking or preventing can be seen positively (preventing harm) or negatively (hindering progress, suppressing freedom), depending on the context.
In English, the concept is conveyed by 'to block,' 'to obstruct,' 'to prevent,' 'to hinder,' 'to thwart,' etc. The choice depends heavily on context and formality.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Military & Defense
- 敵の侵攻を阻止する (block enemy invasion)
- 攻撃を阻止する (block an attack)
- 進軍を阻止する (block advance)
Security & Law Enforcement
- 犯罪を阻止する (prevent crime)
- テロを阻止する (prevent terrorism)
- 不正アクセスを阻止する (block unauthorized access)
Disaster Prevention
- 火災の拡大を阻止する (block fire spread)
- 感染症の蔓延を阻止する (block spread of infectious disease)
- 洪水被害を阻止する (prevent flood damage)
Business & Projects
- 計画の遅延を阻止する (block plan delay)
- 発展を阻止する (hinder development)
- 買収を阻止する (block takeover)
Conversation Starters
"What's something important we need to prevent from happening in our community?"
"Can you think of a time when someone successfully blocked a negative event?"
"How can we best stop the spread of misinformation online?"
"What measures can be taken to block unwanted intrusions?"
"If you were a leader, what kind of progress would you prioritize stopping or hindering for a good reason?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a situation where you had to actively prevent something from occurring. What actions did you take?
Reflect on the challenges of stopping negative trends, like environmental damage or social injustice. What are the biggest obstacles?
Write about a fictional scenario where a character must block an enemy's plan. What are the stakes?
Consider the difference between preventing harm and stifling progress. When is it appropriate to block something?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questions止める (yameru) is a general verb meaning 'to stop' something (like stopping an action or a device). 阻止する (soshi suru) is more specific, meaning 'to block', 'to obstruct', or 'to prevent' something from happening or progressing, often implying an active effort or barrier.
No, while it can be used for physical blocking (like a wall stopping traffic), it's also used for abstract concepts like preventing crime, hindering development, or stopping the spread of information.
防ぐ (fusegu) focuses more on protection and guarding against future harm (e.g., preventing illness). 阻止する (soshi suru) emphasizes the active act of blocking or obstructing something that is currently happening or about to happen.
It can be used, but it often sounds quite formal or serious. For casual situations, you might prefer words like 妨げる (samatageru) or even 止める (yameru) depending on the context.
The kanji 阻 (so) means 'to obstruct,' 'to hinder,' or 'to block.' It often carries a sense of difficulty or being impeded.
Opposites include 促進する (sokushin suru - to promote, to accelerate) and 許可する (kyoka suru - to permit, to allow).
It's a 'suru' verb, so it conjugates like other verbs ending in -suru. For example: 阻止します (polite present), 阻止した (plain past), 阻止できない (cannot prevent).
Yes, idioms like '水を差す' (mizu o sasu - to dampen enthusiasm) or '壁にぶつかる' (kabe ni butsukaru - to hit a wall) convey similar ideas of hindrance or obstruction in a more figurative way.
Test Yourself
The big rock _______ the water's flow.
While 'stops' and 'prevents' are close, 'blocks' best fits the image of a physical obstruction.
Which word means to actively stop something from happening?
Prevent means to stop something from happening or arising.
The verb '阻止する' is primarily used for minor, everyday annoyances.
阻止する usually implies a more significant action or event being blocked, not minor inconveniences.
Word
Meaning
These are common collocations showing how 阻止する is used with different nouns.
The correct sentence is 'Measures were taken to block the spread of disease.'
The security system is designed to _______ unauthorized access.
'Prevent' is the most suitable word here, aligning with the function of a security system.
Which Japanese verb best translates to 'to thwart' in a strategic context?
阻止する often carries the nuance of strategic obstruction or thwarting, especially in formal contexts.
The company implemented strict policies to _______ internal data leaks.
'Prevent' fits the context of proactive measures against data leaks.
The diplomat's skillful negotiation helped to _______ a full-scale conflict.
'Avert' means to prevent or ward off an undesirable occurrence or danger.
The term '阻止する' can imply a successful negation of an enemy's advance or plan.
In strategic and historical contexts, 阻止する often implies a decisive action that successfully stops or negates an opponent's objective.
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Summary
Use 阻止する when you need to describe the deliberate act of putting up a barrier to stop something significant from happening or progressing.
- Means to actively block, obstruct, or prevent something.
- Often used for significant events, security, or strategic actions.
- Requires careful attention to context; can sound formal.
- Key kanji: 阻 (obstruct) + 止 (stop).
Visualize the 'STOP' Sign
Imagine a giant, unmovable 'STOP' sign (阻止) blocking a path. This visual helps remember the core meaning of active obstruction.
Context is Key
Use 阻止する for significant actions like blocking an invasion or preventing a major disaster. For smaller hindrances, consider 妨げる (samatageru).
Formal & Strategic
This verb often appears in contexts involving strategy, security, or significant events. It carries a more formal and decisive tone.
Particle Power
Remember to use the particle を (o) to mark what is being blocked or prevented: e.g., 計画を阻止する (keikaku o soshi suru).
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