حظر
hazr
The Arabic verb for 'block' is حظر (hazr).
This verb is used to describe the act of filling or obstructing something so that it is impossible to pass through.
Meaning: to fill, making it impossible to pass (verb)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Gulf countries, the variation بلوك is used to say 'block'.
How do you pronounce it?
hazr
Did you know?
- While حظر is the formal term for 'block', if you are talking about a 'block' of wood or stone, you would use the word كتلة, which refers to a solid mass.
- In the digital age, many Arabic speakers use the English word 'block' as a loanword بلوك specifically for social media. Using حظر in a digital context sounds much more official, like a government ban rather than a personal choice.
- The root of حظر is shared with words related to 'protection' and 'restriction'. In classical contexts, it implies creating a boundary to keep something safe or excluded.
Examples in context
- وضع العامل البلوك الإسمنتي.The construction worker placed a cement block.
- قرر مجلس المدينة إغلاق الطريق مؤقتًا.The city council decided to block the road temporarily.
Example conversation
Omar and Layla are discussing a road closure.
- عمر Omarيا ليلى، لماذا حظروا هذا الشارع؟Yā Laylā, limādhā hazarū hādhā ash-shāri'?Layla, why did they block this street?
- ليلى Laylaهناك أعمال إصلاح في الطريق.Hunāka a'māl islah fī at-tarīq.There are repair works on the road.
- عمر Omarهل سيستمر حظر الطريق طويلاً؟Hal sayastamirru hazr at-tarīq tawīlan?Will the road block last long?
- ليلى Laylaأعتقد أنهم سيفتحونه غداً.A'taqidu annahum sayaftahūnahu ghadan.I think they will open it tomorrow.
