迷 路(めいろ)

めいろ

noun

maze, labyrinth

abstract

1. maze, labyrinth

A complex network of paths or passages designed to confuse or disorient.

迷路(めいろ)に迷(まよ)う。

To get lost in a maze.

子供(こども)たちが迷路(めいろ)で遊(あそ)んでいる。

The children are playing in the maze.

この地下街(ちかがい)はまるで迷路(めいろ)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(こうしょう)は迷路(めいろ)に入(はい)った。

The negotiations have hit a deadlock.

問題(もんだい)は迷路(めいろ)のように複雑(ふくざつ)だ。

The problem is as complicated as a maze.

法律(ほうりつ)の迷路(めいろ)から抜(ぬ)け出(だ)せない。

I can't escape from the labyrinth of legal issues.

迷路(めいろ) refers to both physical mazes and figuratively to confusing, deadlocked situations. Composed of 迷(めい) (to be lost) + 路(ろ) (path).

Common collocations

迷路(めいろ)に入(はい)る: to enter a maze; to reach a deadlock
迷路(めいろ)から抜(ぬ)け出(だ)す: to escape from a maze/deadlock
迷路(めいろ)のような: maze-like
迷路(めいろ)に迷(まよ)う: to get lost in a maze

Related words

袋小路(ふくろこうじ): dead end, cul-de-sac
迷(まよ)う: to get lost, to be confused
行(い)き止(ど)まり: dead end (in a path)

Usage

Children's puzzle books often feature 迷路(めいろ) as a popular activity. Figuratively, 迷路(めいろ)に入(はい)る is commonly used in news to describe negotiations or problems reaching a stalemate.

Related Words

Related: 袋小路(ふくろこうじ) (dead end, impasse)

Related: 迷(まよ)う (to get lost, to be confused)

Related: 行(い)き止(ど)まり (dead end)

general

Added 2026.2.1 18:09 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

09000/09384_meiro