膠着(こうちゃく)

こうちゃく
noun; verb (する)
stalemate; deadlock
1. stalemate, deadlock, stagnation
A situation where progress has completely stopped and neither side can advance. Used for negotiations, conflicts, competitions, and other situations where opposing forces are locked in place.
交渉(こうしょう)が膠着(こうちゃく)状態(じょうたい)に陥(おちい)った。
The negotiations fell into a deadlock.
試合(しあい)は膠着(こうちゃく)したまま後半(こうはん)に入(はい)った。
The game entered the second half still in a stalemate.
与野党(よやとう)の対立(たいりつ)で国会(こっかい)審議(しんぎ)が膠着(こうちゃく)し、重要(じゅうよう)法案(ほうあん)の成立(せいりつ)が見通(みとお)せない状況(じょうきょう)だ。
Due to the conflict between the ruling and opposition parties, parliamentary deliberations have deadlocked, and there is no prospect of passing important legislation.

KANJI NOTE:
膠(こう) means "glue" (from animal hides), so the word literally evokes the image of things being stuck together and unable to move.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 膠着(こうちゃく)状態(じょうたい) (state of deadlock/stalemate)
  • 膠着(こうちゃく)に陥(おちい)る (fall into a stalemate)
  • 膠着(こうちゃく)を打破(だは)する (break a deadlock)
  • 膠着(こうちゃく)した戦線(せんせん) (stalled front line)

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 行(い)き詰(づ)まり: deadlock, impasse (more everyday)
  • 停滞(ていたい): stagnation (emphasizes lack of progress; can be one-sided)
general
Added 2026.2.27 16:08
13500/13935_kouchaku