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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.
Frequency#11645DifficultyHard
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
—Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 走投无路
Podcast: 走投无路
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AI Study Notes for 走投无路
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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.
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.
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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Cultural Notes for 走投无路
🏮Cultural insight
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.
🌏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.
The literal translation is 'to walk (走) until (投) there is no (无) road (路)', depicting a scenario of being completely stuck.
Yes, expressions like '无路可走' (no way to go) convey similar meanings, but may vary in emotional intensity.
