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走投无路 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
走投无路zǒutóuwúlùto be at an impasse (idiom)HSK 7, unknown, 31 strokes, rank #11645, Very Hard
走投无路zǒutóuwúlùin a tight spotHSK 7, unknown, 31 strokes, rank #11645, Very Hard
走投无路zǒutóuwúlùat the end of one's ropeHSK 7, unknown, 31 strokes, rank #11645, Very Hard
走投无路zǒutóuwúlùdesperateHSK 7, unknown, 31 strokes, rank #11645, Very Hard
zǒutóuwúlù(zou3tou2wu2lu4)zou tou wu lu T3
  1. 1to be at an impasse (idiom)
  2. 2in a tight spot
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March 24, 2026

走投无路(走投無路)zǒutóuwúlù(zou3tou2wu2lu4)

走投无路 is an idiomatic expression that means to be in a situation where one has no way out or no options left. It conveys a sense of desperation and being cornered, often used when someone feels trapped in a difficult circumstance.

Strokes31Frequency#11645DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of being at an impasse resonates deeply, reflecting the value placed on finding solutions and maintaining harmony. This idiom may often be used in discussions about personal dilemmas, illustrating the importance of seeking help.

Memory tip

Imagine a person (走, 'walk') who has run to the end (投, 'throw') of a path and finds themselves at a dead end (无路, 'no road'). They can’t walk any further, symbolizing their desperate situation.

Meanings of 走投无路

zǒutóuwúlù(zou3tou2wu2lu4)
1to be at an impasse (idiom)
2in a tight spot
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About 走投无路

走投无路Simplified
走投無路Traditional
31Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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AI Study Notes for 走投无路

Usage Notes

This idiom is often used in informal contexts to describe personal or emotional crises. Be careful not to confuse it with similar expressions that imply mere difficulty; this phrase emphasizes a complete lack of options and urgency.

HSK Study Tips

While this idiom is not directly part of the HSK vocabulary, it connects with other common expressions about challenges and struggles at HSK level 4 and above. Focus on understanding how to use it in context to describe extreme situations.

Common Mistakes

Learners often misuse this idiom in situations that are merely challenging rather than desperate. For instance, saying '我在工作中遇到困难,走投无路' (I encountered difficulties at work, I'm at an impasse) is incorrect; it should reflect a more dire situation.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 走投无路

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Idiom Spotlight: 走投无路

Chengyu origin story
Literal meaning:walk throw no road

Component Characters

走zǒuto walk
HSK 27 strokes走
View full entry
投tóuto cast
HSK 57 strokes扌
View full entry
无wú-less
HSK 44 strokes无
View full entry
路lùroad
HSK 213 strokes足
View full entry

How to say to be at an impasse (idiom) in Chinese

“to be at an impasse (idiom)” in Chinese is走投无路zǒutóuwúlù

走投无路 is an idiomatic expression that means to be in a situation where one has no way out or no options left. It conveys a sense of desperation and being cornered, often used when someone feels trapped in a difficult circumstance.

When to use 走投无路

This idiom is often used in informal contexts to describe personal or emotional crises. Be careful not to confuse it with similar expressions that imply mere difficulty; this phrase emphasizes a complete lack of options and urgency.

What learners get wrong

Learners often misuse this idiom in situations that are merely challenging rather than desperate. For instance, saying '我在工作中遇到困难,走投无路' (I encountered difficulties at work, I'm at an impasse) is incorrect; it should reflect a more dire situation.

Write 走投无路

走
投
无
路

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Cultural Notes for 走投无路

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, being in a tight spot is often seen as a challenge to overcome, whereas in Chinese culture, it may also imply a loss of face and the need for collective support.

Frequently Asked Questions about 走投无路

It's best reserved for conversational contexts or informal writing, as it carries a strong emotional connotation.

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