wall

JLPT N5 11 strokes

Words with this Kanji

Usage and Meanings

The character (dǔ) primarily means 'to block' or 'to be congested.' It is commonly used to describe traffic jams (堵车) or physically blocking something like a hole or passage.

Common Collocations

  • 堵车 (dǔchē): traffic jam, very common in daily conversation about commuting.
  • (dǔ zhù): to block or stop something physically.
  • 堵塞 (dǔsè): to clog or obstruct, often used in formal contexts.

Usage Notes

When used for traffic, implies a heavy congestion that slows or stops movement. When used physically, it suggests closing or sealing an opening. It is often paired with verbs like (zhù) to emphasize the blocking action.

Avoid confusing with (wall), which is a less common meaning related to the character's original sense but rarely used alone in modern speech. The traffic and blocking meanings are far more frequent.

Register and Tone

This word is neutral in tone and appropriate in both spoken and written Chinese, especially when discussing traffic or physical obstruction.

Example Sentences

During the morning rush hour, the main roads in the city often get

He blocked the broken hole in the wall with bricks.

Please do not block the fire exit; keep it clear.