寸步难行
寸步难行 (cùn bù nán xíng) literally means “inch step difficult to walk” and expresses “unable to move forward at all”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: cun bu nan xing, cun bu nan xing,寸步难行 meaning, 寸步难行 in english
Unable to move forward at all
Pronunciation: cùn bù nán xíng
Literal meaning: Inch step difficult to walk
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes being unable to walk (难行) even an inch (寸步). The smallest unit of progress - a single step - becomes impossible. The phrase appeared in texts describing extreme difficulties or insurmountable obstacles. It captures the frustration of complete immobilization. Modern usage describes situations where progress is blocked entirely, whether by bureaucratic obstacles, resource constraints, or opposition that makes even minimal advancement impossible.
Examples
English: "Without proper documentation, progress was impossible."
Chinese: 没有适当的文件，工作寸步难行。
Discover a new Chinese idiom every day with our iOS app.
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
一帆风顺
yī fān fēng shùn
Plain sailing; everything going smoothly
Learn more →
千里迢迢
qiān lǐ tiáo tiáo
Travel a great distance
Learn more →
民富国强
mín fù guó qiáng
Prosperous people and powerful nation
Learn more →
国泰民安
guó tài mín ān
National peace and public security
Learn more →
太平盛世
tài píng shèng shì
Golden age of peace and prosperity
Learn more →
四海升平
sì hǎi shēng píng
Peace everywhere; universal harmony
Learn more →
安土重迁
ān tǔ zhòng qiān
Prefer stability; reluctant to relocate
Learn more →
故土难离
gù tǔ nán lí
Hard to leave one's homeland
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 寸步难行 mean in English?
寸步难行 (cùn bù nán xíng) literally translates to “Inch step difficult to walk” and is used to express “Unable to move forward at all”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 寸步难行 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving unable to move forward at all.
What is the pinyin for 寸步难行?
The pinyin pronunciation for 寸步难行 is “cùn bù nán xíng”.