Usage of 拦
The verb 拦 (lán) primarily means 'to block' or 'to stop someone or something from passing.' It is often used in contexts where a person or object physically obstructs a path or prevents an action.
Common contexts
拦 is frequently used with people or vehicles, such as police stopping suspects or referees stopping players. It implies an active effort to prevent movement or progress.
Collocations and patterns
- 拦住 (lán zhù): to block and hold someone or something in place.
- 拦路 (lán lù): to block the road or path.
- 拦截 (lán jié): to intercept, often used in sports or security contexts.
Nuances
Using 拦 suggests a deliberate and sometimes forceful action to stop or hinder. It differs from simpler verbs like 阻止 (zǔzhǐ), which can be more abstract or general 'to prevent.' 拦 often involves physical presence or intervention.
Common confusion
Don't confuse 拦 with 拦截; while both involve stopping, 拦截 emphasizes interception, often in transit or communication, whereas 拦 is more general blocking or stopping in a physical sense.