How to Write 隘 (ài) — Meaning “narrow; mountain pass”

Imagine a narrow mountain pass (阝) that is so tight that even overflowing water (益) cannot get through. Another way: think of the right part 益 as 'benefit' — but the pass is so narrow that only one person at a time can benefit from crossing.

Write the left radical 阝 first (two strokes: vertical, then horizontal fold with vertical). Then focus on the right part 益: it has a vertical stroke in the middle of the bottom section — many learners forget this central vertical or misplace it. The bottom of 益 is not a simple 皿; it has three verticals (left, center, right) connected by horizontal strokes.

All three have the left radical 阝 (mound), but their right parts differ: 部 has 咅 (pronounced pǒu or bù), 郫 has 卑 (bēi, meaning low), and 隘 has 益. Their meanings are unrelated: 部 means 'part' or 'department', 郫 is a rare place name, and 隘 means 'narrow' or 'mountain pass'.

隘 appears in words like 狭隘 (xiá ài, narrow-minded) and 关隘 (guān ài, strategic pass). It is not common in daily conversation but appears in formal, historical, or geographical writing. Culturally, 关隘 were vital defensive points in ancient Chinese warfare, such as the famous passes guarded by the Great Wall.

Common words containing 隘 include: 狭隘 (xiá ài) — narrow-minded; 关隘 (guān ài) — Strategic pass; barrier; 要隘 (yào ài) — Strategic pass / Narrow pass.