Translation and Meaning of: 障る - sawaru

If you are studying Japanese or are curious about the language, you may have come across the word 障る[さわる]. It may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances worth exploring. In this article, we will dive into the meaning, usage, and peculiarities of this expression, as well as understand how it fits into the daily life of native speakers. If you are looking to learn Japanese practically, Suki Nihongo is a great place to start, with clear explanations and real examples.

The meaning and use of 障る

The word 障る[さわる] is a verb that generally means "to hinder," "to disturb," or "to harm." Unlike other similar terms, it carries a more subjective tone, often related to something that negatively affects a situation or person. For example, if someone says "煙が障る" (kemuri ga sawaru), they are expressing that the smoke is bothering them, either physically or emotionally.

It is worth noting that 障る is not an extremely common verb in everyday language but appears in more formal contexts or fixed expressions. Its use may vary depending on the region of Japan, although there are no radical differences in meaning between dialects. It is important to note that while it can be translated as "to hinder," it is not interchangeable with words like 邪魔する (jama suru), which has a more concrete sense of physical obstruction.

Origin and components of kanji

The kanji 障 is composed of two main elements: the radical 阝 (which indicates a relation to obstacles or elevations) and 章 (which can suggest something visible or striking). Together, they reinforce the idea of something that stands in the way, either literally or figuratively. This construction helps to understand why the verb carries the notion of discomfort or interference.

Interestingly, this same kanji appears in other words such as 障害 (shougai), which means "obstacle" or "defect," and 障子 (shouji), which refers to traditional Japanese paper sliding doors. This connection between the terms shows how the etymological root remains present in different contexts, even if the specific meanings vary.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to fix the meaning of 障る is to associate it with situations where something or someone causes discomfort that is not necessarily physical. For example, thinking of phrases like "the noise is bothering me" (音が障る) can help internalize its usage. Another tip is to remember that, unlike verbs like 触る (sawaru - touch), 障る always has a negative connotation.

For those who use apps like Anki, it's worth creating flashcards with real examples, such as "彼の言葉が障った" (his words bothered me). This type of context facilitates memorization and avoids confusion with similar terms. Additionally, paying attention to series or news in Japanese can reveal how the word is used by natives, as it appears frequently in discussions about interpersonal relationships or everyday problems.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 邪魔する (jama suru) - Interfere, hinder (common use to describe something that is an obstacle)
• 妨げる (sabotageru) - Prevent, obstruct (a bit more formal, used in various contexts)
• 阻む (habamu) - Prevent, block (suggests a more active or violent obstruction)
• 邪鈍する (jadon suru) - Obscure or hinder clarity, often used in contexts of mindset or judgment (less common)
• 邪魔をする (jama wo suru) - Fazer algo que prejudica, similar a 邪魔する, mas usado em uma construção mais focada na ação de interferir.

障る

Romaji: sawaru
Kana: さわる
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: prevent; interfere; to affect; do damage; be harmful to

Meaning in English: to hinder;to interfere with;to affect;to do one harm;to be harmful to

Definition: Cause unpleasant feelings in others, touch others.