Japanese Conversation · Level 113
60 words
Japanese word
途方
Pronunciation
Romajitohō
Meaning
- nounway
Example
どうしていいか途方に暮れています。dō shi te i i ka to hō ni ku re te i ma su
I am at a loss about what to do.
More examples
説明書を読んでも直し方が分からず、父は途方に暮れました。setsu mei sho o yo n de mo nao shi kata ga wa ka ra zu chichi wa to hō ni ku re ma shi ta
Even after reading the instructions, my father was at a loss because he did not know how to fix it.
Core concept
Describes the route or method available for moving toward a goal or deciding what to do.
Common phrases
途方に暮れるto hō ni ku re ru
be at a loss
Similar words
方法hōhō: A way of doing something or solving a problem.
手段shudan: A method or resource used to achieve a particular purpose.
手立てtedate: A means available for solving a problem or achieving a purpose.
Definition in Japanese
目的を達するための方法や、進む方向。moku teki o tas su ru ta me no hō hō ya susu mu hō kō
Word origin
The Sino-Japanese compound 途方 (tohō) joins 途 (to, "path") with 方 (hō, "direction"), giving the sense of a path, means, or direction.
Usage tips
- Unlike the broad English word "way", 途方 (tohō) often suggests that a suitable course of action is unclear or has been lost.
Other meanings
- meansnoun
- directionnoun