頓挫

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 頓挫 (とんざ) is a noun that also forms a する verb for a setback or collapse that halts a plan or negotiation.
• Basic usage: It describes a plan halted by missing materials or efforts to keep negotiations from collapsing.
  • 資材が足りず、橋を直す計画は一時頓挫しました。 — A material shortage temporarily halted the bridge repair plan.
  • 話し合いが頓挫しないよう、双方が条件を見直しました。 — Both sides reviewed their terms to keep the negotiations from collapsing.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Temporary halt and collapse
  • 頓挫 can strongly suggest a plan being frustrated or collapsing; 一時 specifies that the halt was temporary.