congestión
/konxesˈtjon/feminine
The English phrase "congestion" can be translated into Spanish as congestión. Wiktionary also lists atasco.
Meaning: excess of traffic (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| congestión | /konxesˈtjon/ | feminine |
| atasco | /aˈtasko/ | masculine |
The term refers to an excess of traffic.
Which one should you use?
congestión is a feminine noun, while atasco is a masculine noun.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, atasco is the standard term for a traffic jam and you may also encounter the regional variation retención. In Latin America, speakers might more commonly use terms like trancón or embotellamiento instead of atasco.
How does it change in a sentence?
congestión is a feminine noun, so it must be used with feminine articles and adjectives, such as la congestión. atasco is a masculine noun, so it must be used with masculine articles and adjectives, such as el atasco.
How do you pronounce it?
/konxesˈtjon/
Did you know?
- The term embotellamiento literally translates to 'bottling', as if the cars were being forced into a bottle. It is a common way to describe a bottleneck in many Latin American countries.
- In Colombia, the term trancón is used for traffic jams. This comes from the word tranca, referring to a physical beam or bar used to block a doorway or gate.
- While congestión is used for traffic, it is also the exact same word used in a medical context to describe 'nasal congestion' or 'congestión nasal'.
Examples in context
- La ciudad sufre de una grave congestión de tráfico.The city suffers from severe traffic congestion.
- La obstrucción en la carretera causó retrasos significativos.The obstruction on the road caused significant delays.
- La acumulación de personas en el centro comercial es preocupante.The accumulation of people in the shopping mall is concerning.
- Hoy hubo un gran atasco en la autopista debido a un accidente.There was a huge traffic jam on the highway today due to an accident.
- El tapón en la entrada del estadio nos hizo llegar tarde al partido.The congestion at the stadium entrance made us arrive late to the game.
- El embotellamiento en las calles del centro es caótico durante la hora punta.The traffic congestion in downtown is chaotic during rush hour.
- El tráfico pesado en las calles principales es un problema recurrente en esta ciudad.Heavy traffic on the main streets is a recurring problem in this city.
- Las retenciones en las autopistas son comunes durante los meses de verano.Traffic jams on highways are common during the summer months.
- La congestión en la ciudad es terrible.The congestion in the city is terrible.
- Evitamos la congestión de la mañana.We avoid the morning congestion.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are talking on the phone about a meeting.
- AlejandroHola Elena, ya estoy llegando.Hi Elena, I am arriving now.
- ElenaPero llegas tarde, Alejandro.But you are late, Alejandro.
- AlejandroPerdón, había mucha congestión en la autopista.Sorry, there was a lot of congestion on the highway.
- ElenaNo te preocupes, te espero aquí.Don't worry, I'll wait for you here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “congestion” translations and entries congestión, atasco, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
