bloquear
/blokeˈaɾ/
The English phrase 'block' in Spanish is bloquear. Wiktionary also lists atascar and obstruir.
Meaning: to fill, making it impossible to pass (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| bloquear | /blokeˈaɾ/ |
| atascar | /atasˈkaɾ/ |
| obstruir | /obsˈtɾwiɾ/ |
The verbs in this group describe the act of filling, making it impossible to pass.
Which one should you use?
bloquear is the standard term used for general blocking, such as blocking a path, a road or a digital account/user. obstruir is a more formal or technical way to describe an obstruction, such as an airway or a view.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, such as Mexico and Colombia, cuadra can be used to denote a block or a city block.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/blokeˈaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word cuadra for a city block is common in Latin America, but in Spain, people typically use the word manzana, which literally means 'apple'.
- The verb bloquear is a relatively modern addition to the language, having been borrowed from the French word bloquer and possibly the English word 'block'.
- While bloquear is the general word for 'block', the word atascar is specifically used for things that are stuck or jammed, such as a key in a lock or a piece of paper in a printer.
Examples in context
- "¿Qué?", dijo el gigante, "tú, hombrecito que podría aplastar entre mis dedos, ¿tú me quieres bloquear el camino? ¿Quién eres acaso para hablar tan arrogante?""What?" said the giant. "You little human, who I could crush between my fingers, you want to block my way? Who are you to speak so arrogantly?"This sentence shows how bloquear can be used to describe blocking a path.Tatoeba #1918161 by marcelostockle, translation #12424427 by Miktsoanit
- Los agricultores quieren bloquear el precio de su trigo.The farmers are wishing to block the price of their wheat.This sentence illustrates using bloquear in the context of blocking a price.
- El profesor dividió la clase en diferentes bloques para el proyecto.The teacher divided the class into different blocks for the project.
- Vivo en la misma cuadra que mi mejor amigo.I live on the same block as my best friend.
- Los niños se encontraron en la misma manzana para jugar.The children met on the same block to play.
- No puedes bloquear la salida con esa caja.You cannot block the exit with that box.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are driving through a narrow street.
- JavierHay un camión que quiere bloquear la calle.There is a truck that wants to block the street.
- LucíaNo puede bloquear el paso ahora mismo.He cannot block the way right now.
- JavierPero no hay espacio para pasar.But there is no room to pass.
- LucíaEntonces busquemos otra ruta, Javier.Then let's look for another route, Javier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “block” translations and entries bloquear, atascar, obstruir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries atascar, bloquear, obstruir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR, Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
