zau2 tau4 mou4 lou6走投無路走投无路
Jyutpingzau2 tau4 mou4 lou6
Yalejáu tàuh mòuh louh
Definition
To come to a dead end; to have no way out and be left with no options to solve one's problems.
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
Describes a state of extreme desperation where all options have been exhausted. It is frequently used to explain the motivation behind drastic, often illegal or self-destructive, actions. Unlike simple frustration, it implies a total lack of alternatives.
Examples
He owes so much money, he really has no way out.
Related words
Common phrases
pushed to a dead end
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being lost or having a minor problem. It carries a heavy, serious tone and is reserved for life-altering situations, not for everyday inconveniences like missing a bus.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
