kung4 tou4 mut6 lou6窮途末路穷途末路
Jyutpingkung4 tou4 mut6 lou6
Yalekùhng tòuh muht louh
Definition
A dead end, impasse, or hopeless situation.
neutraldescriptionsother
How it's used
This idiom carries a heavy, dramatic tone, often used to describe someone who has exhausted all options and is facing a desperate situation. It is more common in formal writing or serious conversation than in casual daily chatter. When used in speech, it often implies a sense of finality or hopelessness regarding a career, financial state, or life path.
Examples
His business failed, and he has reached a dead end.
Do you feel like you are at a dead end right now?
Related words
Common phrases
to fall into a dead end
to reach a dead end
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use this to describe a physical road that has no exit, but it is strictly metaphorical. Use 掘頭路 for a physical dead end street.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
