zong6 baan2撞闆撞板

Jyutpingzong6 baan2

Yalejohng báan

Definition

To run into an obstacle, hit a brick wall, or mess up.

colloquialdaily actionswork

How it's used

Originating from the image of walking into a wooden partition or door, this term is used to describe situations where one encounters unexpected rejection or failure. It is frequently used when someone attempts to ask for a favor or pitch an idea and is immediately shut down. The phrase conveys a sense of frustration and the feeling of having one's path blocked by an immovable force.

Examples

ngo5我gam1今ci3次heoi3去gin3見gung1工zan1真hai6係zong6撞saai3晒闆。

I really hit a brick wall at my job interview this time.

nei5你gam3咁joeng2樣heoi3去man6問keoi5佢，jat1一ding6定wui5會zong6撞baan2闆㗎。

If you go ask him like that, you will definitely get rejected.

Common phrases

zong6撞saai3晒闆

to hit a complete brick wall

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 撞車, which refers to a physical vehicle collision. While 撞闆 implies a metaphorical collision with an obstacle, it is strictly used for social or professional setbacks rather than physical accidents.