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noun HSK 5
zǔ lì
resistance · obstruction · drag

Meaning

阻力 refers to a force or factor that opposes, hinders, or slows down progress, motion, or development. It can describe physical resistance (like air resistance or friction) in scientific contexts, or metaphorical obstacles (like opposition or difficulties) in everyday situations.

Usage

Commonly used in both technical/scientific contexts (physics, engineering) and everyday speech to describe obstacles to progress. Often appears in phrases like '遇到阻力' (encounter resistance) or '克服阻力' (overcome resistance). The word carries a neutral to slightly negative connotation.

Examples

  1. 01
    这项改革在推行过程中遇到了不少阻力。
    Zhè xiàng gǎi gé zài tuī xíng guò chéng zhōng yù dào le bù shǎo zǔ lì.
    This reform encountered considerable resistance during implementation.
  2. 02
    物体在水中运动会受到水的阻力。
    Wù tǐ zài shuǐ zhōng yùn dòng huì shòu dào shuǐ de zǔ lì.
    Objects moving in water experience resistance from the water.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 遇到阻力
    yù dào zǔ lì
    to encounter resistance
  • 克服阻力
    kè fú zǔ lì
    to overcome resistance
  • 空气阻力
    kōng qì zǔ lì
    air resistance
  • 减少阻力
    jiǎn shǎo zǔ lì
    to reduce resistance

Antonyms

Origin

Compound word combining 阻 (to block/obstruct) and 力 (force/power), literally meaning 'blocking force' or 'obstructing power'.

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