(とほう)

とほう
noun
way, means (chiefly in set expressions)
writtenspokenabstract
1. way, means (chiefly in set expressions)
A method or course of action to achieve something. Most commonly appears in the expression 途方(とほう)()れる (to be at a loss) or 途方(とほう)もない (extraordinary, absurd).
途方(とほう)()れる。
To be at a loss / at one's wit's end.
He had a bewildered expression on his face.
I was charged an outrageous amount.
Having suddenly lost my job, I'm at a complete loss.

途方(とほう) rarely appears alone and is almost always used in set expressions.

Key expressions

  • 途方(とほう)()れる: to be at a loss, to be perplexed (literally: to be benighted on one's path)
  • 途方(とほう)ない: extraordinary, absurd, outlandish

Usage notes

  • 途方(とほう)()れる describes a state of not knowing what to do, often due to unexpected bad news or circumstances
  • 途方(とほう)ない can describe something impossibly large, distant, or unreasonable

Related words