Impasse vs. cul-de-sac

French language includes several terms for 'dead end' roads. Two common terms are 'impasse' and 'cul-de-sac'. Each term carries particular nuance, and their usage in context can offer insight into their subtle differences.

Impasse

A dead end or a situation where no progress is possible, especially in a dispute.
La rue aboutit à une impasse.
(The street leads to a dead end.)
Les négociations ont atteint une impasse.
(The negotiations have reached a stalemate.)

Cul-de-sac

Literally translating to 'bottom of the sack', this term specifically refers to a street or passage closed at one end; a no through road.
Ma maison est au bout du cul-de-sac.
(My house is at the end of the cul-de-sac.)
Le chemin se termine par un cul-de-sac.
(The path ends in a dead end.)

Summary

'Impasse' and 'cul-de-sac' are both used to describe roads or situations with no exit. While 'impasse' can refer to physical dead ends, it is also metaphorically used for situations that cannot be easily resolved. In contrast, 'cul-de-sac' is more often used exclusively for describing physical no-through roads and is less commonly used for metaphorical situations.