頓挫

• Reading: とんざ
• Romaji: tonza
• Kanji breakdown: 頓 (ton) — suddenly, to stumble; 挫 (za/kujiku) — to frustrate, to crush, to collapse
• Pronunciation: /ton.za/

Meaning

Setback; breakdown; abrupt collapse of a plan before completion. A project or endeavour that comes to a sudden halt midway.

A noun and suru-verb (頓挫する) used in news and business language to describe the sudden stalling of plans, negotiations, or projects. Implies an abrupt, unexpected interruption rather than a gradual decline. 計画が頓挫する (a plan falls through) is a common collocation. More dramatic than 中断 (interruption) and suggests resumption is uncertain.

Examples

1. 資金不足のため、再開発計画は途中で頓挫してしまった。 Due to a lack of funding, the redevelopment plan fell through midway.
2. 交渉は合意寸前で頓挫し、双方の失望感は大きかった。 Negotiations broke down just short of an agreement, leaving both sides deeply disappointed.
3. 新製品の発売計画が技術的な問題により頓挫した。 The launch plan for the new product was derailed by technical problems.

Usage Guide

Context: business, politics, news, project management

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 頓 (ton) — suddenly, to stumble — and 挫 (za) — to frustrate, to collapse. Together they capture the image of something suddenly tripping and falling mid-course.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional