to stop up, to seal, to cork, to block

JLPT N2 13 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage of (sāi)

The character primarily means "to block," "to stuff," or "to stop up." It is often used when something is physically blocked or filled, such as ears, wounds, or roads.

Common Collocations

  • 耳朵 (ěrduo sāi zhù): to block ears, often used when someone doesn't want to listen.
  • 伤口 (sāi zhù shāngkǒu): to stuff a wound, usually with cotton or gauze.
  • (lù bèi sāi zhù): the road is blocked, often due to traffic or construction.

Nuances

implies a physical obstruction or filling. It can be used literally (blocking a hole) or metaphorically (blocking communication). It is more forceful than just "covering" and often implies preventing passage or flow.

Common Confusions

Don't confuse (sāi) with (sài), which means "competition." Also, is different from (dǔ), which also means "to block" but is more commonly used for traffic jams, while can be used for stuffing or plugging as well.

Understanding helps learners describe situations involving blockage or stuffing in everyday life.

Example Sentences

Please don't block your ears, listen to me finish.

He stuffed the wound with cotton to stop the bleeding.

This road is blocked due to construction, and cars cannot move.