Definition
行不通 is a resultative verb phrase meaning 'cannot go through' or 'won't work'. It combines the verb 行 ('to proceed') with the negative potential infix 不 and the result complement 通 ('to pass through'). Use it to say a plan, method, or idea is unworkable or impossible in practice.
r.v.
won't workimpossiblegets nowhere
Examples
- 行不通。Zhège bànfǎ xíng bu tōng.This method won't work.
- 行不通。Tā de lǐlùn zài xiànshí zhōng xíng bu tōng.His theory is impractical in reality.
- 行不通，。Zhè tiáo lù yǐjīng xíng bu tōng le, wǒmen huàn yì tiáo ba.This road is no longer passable; let's take another.
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