váter atascado
/bateɾ ataskado/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "clogged toilet" is translated as váter atascado.
The phrase is used to describe a toilet that is blocked and cannot be flushed. To express the full sentence "the toilet is clogged", you should use the verb estar to describe this state: el váter está atascado.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on the level of formality and the specific noun used for 'toilet'. While váter atascado is a standard way to name the object, inodoro obstruido is a more formal or technical way to describe the blockage and baño tapado is an informal way to say the same thing.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Inodoro atascado or inodoro obstruido are more formal or technical terms. Váter atascado is a common, standard term. Baño tapado is an informal option.
How does it change in a sentence?
When stating that a toilet is currently in a clogged state, use the verb estar as in el váter está atascado.
Did you know?
- The term inodoro comes from the words for 'no' and 'odor'. It was coined to highlight that the modern toilet removes smells from the home.
- The word váter is a pseudo-anglicism that entered Spanish via French. It is an abbreviated version of the English term 'water closet'.
- Depending on the region, a speaker might use tapado instead of atascado to describe the clog. While atascado implies a jam, tapado literally means 'covered'.
Examples in context
- ¡No puedo creerlo! El baño está tapado nuevamente. Necesitamos llamar al plomero.I can't believe it! The toilet is blocked again. We need to call the plumber.
- Disculpe, pero el inodoro del baño público está obstruido. ¿Podría revisarlo por favor?Excuse me, but the toilet in the public restroom is clogged. Could you please check it?
- Hay un váter atascado en el baño de invitados.There is a clogged toilet in the guest bathroom.
- Necesito arreglar el váter atascado de la planta alta.I need to fix the clogged toilet upstairs.
- El fontanero vino para reparar el váter atascado.The plumber came to repair the clogged toilet.
Example conversation
Lucía is telling Daniel about a problem in the house.
- Daniel¿Qué pasa, Lucía?What's wrong, Lucía?
- LucíaDaniel, tenemos un váter atascado en el baño.Daniel, we have a clogged toilet in the bathroom.
- DanielLo siento, llamaré a un fontanero ahora mismo.I'm sorry, I will call a plumber right now.
- LucíaGracias, por favor hazlo pronto.Thank you, please do it soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries atascado, váter, CC BY-SA 4.0.
