支障（ししょう、shishou）
- obstacle

The Japanese word 支障 （ししょう） generally means "hindrance," "obstacle," "impediment," "problem," or "interference." It refers to something that prevents or makes it difficult to do something. It often implies a negative impact or inconvenience. 支障 suggests that something is problematic or could cause difficulties. The degree of 支障 can vary, from minor inconveniences to significant obstacles.

⚫︎仕事に支障］をきたす。 Translation: To interfere with work. ⚫︎健康に支障］がない。 Translation: There are no problems with one's health. ⚫︎この件に関しては、特に支障］はありません。 Translation: Regarding this matter, there are no particular problems.

⚫︎支障 is used in formal and informal situations. ⚫︎ It can be used to describe issues in various contexts such as work, health, relationships, travel, and more. ⚫︎ It’s often used in negative constructions, such as “without hindrance” or “no problems.” ⚫︎ Be careful not to overuse 支障. While versatile, relying on it too much might make your Japanese sound less nuanced.

⚫︎ 支障 is written using the kanji 支 (shi – support, branch), 障 (shō – obstacle, hindrance) and the hiragana ししょう. ⚫︎ There are no other standard ways to write this word. ⚫︎ The okurigana (送りがな - the hiragana attached to the kanji) is not applicable here as 支障 is only one word.

⚫︎ 妨げ（さまたげ） – hindrance, obstruction ⚫︎ 障害（しょうがい）– obstacle, impediment, difficulty ⚫︎ 問題（もんだい） – problem ⚫︎ 困難（こんなん）– difficulty ⚫︎ 影響（えいきょう）- influence, effect (can be positive or negative, but sometimes used similarly to 支障 in context)

⚫︎ 支障がない (ししょうがない) – no problem, without hindrance ⚫︎ 問題がない (もんだいがない) – no problem ⚫︎ 影響がない (えいきょうがない) - no influence, no effect (in the negative sense)

急な病気で、明日の会議に支障］が出るかもしれない。 ・Translation: Due to a sudden illness, there might be a problem with tomorrow's meeting. ・Explanation: This sentence illustrates how a situation (illness) could cause an obstacle or hindrance (missing the meeting).

その計画を実行するにあたって、予算に支障］はありますか？ ・Translation: Are there any problems with the budget in executing that plan? ・Explanation: This sentence uses 支障 to inquire about potential financial obstacles.

The word 支障 is a compound word derived from two kanji. 支 (shi) means "to support" or "to branch off," and 障 (shō) means "to block," "to hinder," or "to obstruct." The combination of these two characters creates the meaning of something that impedes or prevents progress or smooth operation.