障害

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 障害 is read as しょうがい and is a noun for something that blocks access or progress, whether a physical barrier or an abstract obstacle.
• Basic usage: Mark the affected person with にとって in 人にとって障害になる, or identify the main impediment with 最大の障害.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Meaning set by context
  • The same word can denote a physical barrier such as a step or an impediment to progress such as a shortage.
• Role of にとって
  • にとって identifies the viewpoint or the person for whom something functions as a barrier.