1.
maze, labyrinth
A complex network of paths or passages designed to confuse or disorient.
迷路に迷う。
To get lost in a maze.
子供たちが迷路で遊んでいる。
The children are playing in the maze.
この地下街はまるで迷路のようだ。
This underground shopping area is like a maze.
2.
complicated situation, deadlock
A confusing or difficult situation from which it is hard to escape.
交渉は迷路に入った。
The negotiations have hit a deadlock.
問題は迷路のように複雑だ。
The problem is as complicated as a maze.
法律の迷路から抜け出せない。
I can't escape from the labyrinth of legal issues.
迷路 refers to both physical mazes and figuratively to confusing, deadlocked situations. Composed of 迷 (to be lost) + 路 (path).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 迷路に入る: to enter a maze; to reach a deadlock
- 迷路から抜け出す: to escape from a maze/deadlock
- 迷路のような: maze-like
- 迷路に迷う: to get lost in a maze
RELATED TERMS:
- 袋小路: dead end, cul-de-sac
- 迷う: to get lost, to be confused
- 行き止まり: dead end (in a path)
USAGE:
Children's puzzle books often feature 迷路 as a popular activity. Figuratively, 迷路に入る is commonly used in news to describe negotiations or problems reaching a stalemate.