行き詰まる

• Reading: いきづまる
• Romaji: ikizumaru
• Kanji breakdown: 行 (kō/i) — go, proceed; 詰 (kitsu/zuma) — pack, block, clog
• Pronunciation: /i.ki.zɯ.ma.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To reach a deadlock; to come to a standstill; to be stuck with no way forward. Describes a situation where progress has become impossible.

A Group 1 (godan) compound verb combining 行く (to go) and 詰まる (to be blocked/stuffed). The combination vividly describes a path that has been completely blocked — there is nowhere left to go. Used for negotiations, research, business situations, and personal relationships when all options appear exhausted. The related noun form 行き詰まり (deadlock/impasse) is equally common.

Examples

1. 何度も交渉を重ねたが、最終的に議論が行き詰まってしまった。 Repeated rounds of negotiation were held, but the discussions ultimately reached a deadlock.
2. 研究が行き詰まったとき、視点を変えることで突破口が見えることがある。 When research hits a dead end, shifting one's perspective can sometimes reveal a breakthrough.
3. 資金繰りに行き詰まった会社は、ついに民事再生の申請を余儀なくされた。 A company whose cash flow had reached an impasse was eventually forced to file for civil rehabilitation.

Usage Guide

Context: business, research, negotiation, daily life

Tone: frustrated

Origin & History

Compound of 行く (to go/proceed) and 詰まる (to be clogged, to be stuck). 詰まる derives from 詰 (to be packed, to be blocked), which also appears in 行き詰まり (impasse) and 追い詰める (to corner someone).

Cultural Context

Era: Contemporary

Generation: Adults

Social background: General