Translation guide
How to express physically obstructing a path or passage in Japanese, from literal blocking to figurative obstruction.
To stand in or place something in a way that prevents passage.
The most common and natural way to say 'block the way'. Used for people, vehicles, or objects obstructing a road or path.
車が道をふさいでいる。
A car is blocking the way.
すみません、道をふさいでしまって。
Sorry, I'm blocking the way.
To hinder or prevent someone from achieving something.
To interfere, disturb, or get in the way. Very common for both physical and figurative obstruction.
彼の計画を邪魔した。
I blocked his plans.
仕事の邪魔をしないで。
Don't block my work.
道をふさぐ is specifically for physically blocking a path. 邪魔をする can be used for both physical obstruction and interfering with someone's activities. If you're blocking someone's view, use 視界を遮る (しかいをさえぎる).
その看板が視界を遮っている。
That sign is blocking the view.
More formal, often used in legal or official contexts. Literally 'obstruct passage'.
駐車違反で通行を妨げた。
Illegal parking blocked the passage.
The verb 'to block' or 'to obstruct'. Can be used with various objects like 道 (road), 入口 (entrance), etc.
荷物が入口を塞いでいる。
Luggage is blocking the entrance.
To stand in the way, often with a nuance of defiance or challenge. More dramatic.
彼が行く手に立ちはだかった。
He stood blocking my way.
To obstruct, interfere, or sabotage. Stronger and more deliberate than 邪魔.
彼は捜査を妨害した。
He obstructed the investigation.
Literally 'block the way ahead', used figuratively for obstacles in one's path.
困難が行く手を阻んだ。
Difficulties blocked the way.