遮蔽

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 遮蔽 is read as しゃへい and is a noun and する verb for shielding or obstructing radio waves, light, a view, or similar transmission.
• Basic usage: Shielding radio waves with a metal plate appears in 金属板で電波を遮蔽する, while a view being obstructed by trees appears in 木々によって視界が遮蔽される.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Active and passive forms
  • Use 遮蔽する for an agent blocking something and 遮蔽される for a view or signal being blocked.
• Difference from 隠す
  • Unlike the everyday verb for hiding an object from sight, this term strongly suggests physically blocking the passage or transmission of waves, light, or a view.