Translation guide
The state of being forced into a difficult situation with no easy way out, often used metaphorically.
Expressing that someone is in a predicament with limited options, often due to pressure or circumstances.
The most direct and common way to say 'being driven into a corner' in a figurative sense. It implies being pressured or cornered by someone or something.
彼は借金に追い詰められている。
He is being driven into a corner by debt.
質問攻めで追い詰められている。
I'm being cornered by a barrage of questions.
Describing a situation where someone is physically trapped in a corner or confined space.
Specifically means being physically driven into a corner (e.g., of a room).
猫は犬に隅に追い詰められている。
The cat is being driven into a corner by the dog.
追い詰められる (oitsumerareru) implies a more intense, relentless pressure, often from an active pursuer. 追い込まれる (oikomareru) can be used for both physical and figurative situations, and sometimes implies being forced into a state by circumstances rather than a person.
記者に追い詰められて、彼はついに認めた。
Cornered by reporters, he finally admitted it.
不況で会社は倒産に追い込まれた。
The recession drove the company into bankruptcy.
Avoid directly translating 'being driven into a corner' as 角に追いやられている (kado ni oiyarareteiru). While understandable, it is not idiomatic. Use 追い詰められている or 追い込まれている instead.
Similar to 追い詰められている, but can also be used for being driven into a physical corner or a difficult situation. Slightly less intense.
彼は絶体絶命の状況に追い込まれている。
He is being driven into a desperate situation.
Literally 'being made to stand in a predicament'. A more formal or written expression for being in a tight spot.
会社は不祥事で窮地に立たされている。
The company is being driven into a corner by the scandal.
Means being at one's wit's end, in a desperate situation. Emphasizes the urgency and lack of options.
彼は切羽詰まって、嘘をついた。
Driven into a corner, he told a lie.
Means being driven against a wall, emphasizing the physical barrier.
敵は壁際に追い込まれている。
The enemy is being driven against the wall.