Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing blocking with 挡 (dǎng)

    Actions & Events
    Negation

    Structure

    Subject + 挡(住) + Object

    Explanation

    The verb 挡 (dǎng) means "to block," "to obstruct," or "to ward off" and describes the action of preventing something from passing through or reaching a target. It is commonly used for physical blocking as well as figurative resistance. Place 挡 before the thing being blocked, often with 住 as a complement to indicate success.

    Examples

    • 这把伞太小，挡不住大雨。

      Zhè bǎ sǎn tài xiǎo, dǎng bù zhù dà yǔ.

      This umbrella is too small to block the heavy rain.

    • 他用手挡住阳光，向远处望去。

      Tā yòng shǒu dǎngzhù yángguāng, xiàng yuǎnchù wàng qù.

      He shielded his eyes from the sunlight with his hand and gazed into the distance.

    • 这面墙能挡住外面的噪音吗？

      Zhè miàn qiáng néng dǎngzhù wàimiàn de zàoyīn ma?

      Can this wall block the noise from outside?

    Similar Grammar

    Often Confused With

    Expressing blocking with 挡 (dǎng) | Chinese Grammar