How to say "Obstruct" in Japanese

When translating "obstruct" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 阻む and 妨げる. In Japanese, 阻む (はばむ (habamu)) is typically associated with "to obstruct, to impede, to hinder, to prevent" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Used when something stands in the way, preventing progress, movement, or an action. 進行や行動を妨げたり、邪魔したりすること。. On the other hand, 妨げる (さまたげる (samata geru)) maps to "to obstruct, to hinder, to impede" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Implies putting an obstacle in the way of something progressing or succeeding. Often used in slightly formal contexts.. A literal translation of "obstruct" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!