diff --git a/pinyinize.py b/pinyinize.py
index 2b20856..6d801a4 100644
--- a/pinyinize.py
+++ b/pinyinize.py
@@ -34,10 +34,15 @@ while hzwork:
         tmpstr += hzwork[0]
         print "checking for %s (%s)"%(tmpstr,tmpstr.__repr__())
         res = slconn.execute('SELECT pinyin FROM entries WHERE simplified="%s"'%tmpstr).fetchall()
-        if res != []:
+        if res != []: # sequence of chars not found, using last result        
             lastres = res[0][0]
             hzwork.pop(0)
             print "found and consumed %s"%res[0][0]
+        elif res == [] and not lastres: # first char not found, using fallback barf
+            lastres = '[%s]'%tmpstr
+            hzwork.pop(0)
+            print "%s not found, adding raw and breaking"%tmpstr
+            break
         else:
             print "got empty result, breaking"
             break