Translation guide
How to express being stuck somewhere with no way to leave, or being left without resources or help.
You are in a place and cannot leave because there is no bus, train, flight, etc., or your vehicle broke down.
Literally 'to eat a foot-stop.' A common, slightly informal way to say you are stranded due to transportation issues.
I got stranded at the airport because of heavy snow.
Means to be stuck and unable to move, often used for vehicles stuck in snow or traffic, but also for people stranded in a place.
The train stopped and I was stranded at the station.
Passive form meaning 'to be left behind.' Implies you were stranded because others left without you.
The bus left and I was stranded alone.
Literally 'become unable to move.' A general phrase that can be used when stranded due to vehicle trouble or weather.
The car broke down and I was stranded in the mountains.
You are in a situation where you have no money, no place to stay, or no means to continue.
A set phrase meaning to be stranded without a home or means of living, often used when someone loses their job or home.
I was suddenly fired and I'm about to be stranded without a livelihood.
Literally 'hands up.' Means you are stuck and have no idea what to do, often because you lack resources or options.
Means to reach a dead end or be stuck in a difficult situation with no way forward.
Someone has left you alone in a tough spot, or you feel deserted.
Both mean being stuck, but 足止めを食う focuses on the inconvenience of being unable to proceed (often due to external factors like weather or strikes), while 立ち往生する emphasizes the physical inability to move (like a car stuck in mud). 足止めを食う is more colloquial.
The shinkansen stopped due to a typhoon, and I was stranded in Tokyo.
The car got stuck on the snowy road.
The English 'stranded' does not have a single direct Japanese equivalent. Avoid trying to translate it word-for-word. Instead, describe the situation using phrases like 足止めを食う or 取り残される depending on context.
I lost my wallet and now I'm stranded.
I ran out of money and was stranded during my trip.
I was stranded at the airport by him.