noun
narrow path; defile
Refers to a physically narrow or constricted passage, especially in geographical or military contexts. Somewhat literary.
その山道は隘路が続き、車のすれ違いが難しい。
The mountain road continues as a narrow path, making it difficult for cars to pass each other.
noun
Figurative use for a situation where progress is blocked or severely restricted, such as in traffic, logistics, or negotiations.
物流の隘路を解消するために新しい道路が建設された。
A new road was built to eliminate the bottleneck in logistics.
交渉は隘路に陥り、進展が見
The negotiations reached an impasse and no progress was seen.
Compound of 隘 (narrow, confined) and 路 (path, road). The figurative sense developed from the literal meaning of a narrow passage that restricts flow.