How to Say “Obstacles” in Spanish

obstáculos
/obstakulos/from spelling rules
The English phrase obstacles is translated into Spanish as obstáculos.

How does it change in a sentence?

The singular form of obstáculos is obstáculo.

How do you pronounce it?

/obstakulos/

Did you know?

  • While obstáculo is standard, Spanish speakers often use the phrase poner palos en las ruedas, which literally means 'to put sticks in the wheels', to describe someone intentionally creating obstacles.
  • In Spanish, the word obstáculo can be used to describe a physical barrier or a metaphorical challenge, but it is also the specific term for a jump in an equestrian show jumping competition.
  • In some contexts, Spanish speakers use the word traba as a synonym for obstáculo. This word also refers to the 'catch' or 'latch' of a lock, reflecting the idea of something that physically stops movement.

Examples in context

  • Él enfrentó obstáculos imprevistos.
    He encountered unexpected obstacles.
    This sentence is useful for seeing how to use obstáculos when describing unexpected encounters.
    Tatoeba #3002693 by marcelostockle, translation #1068306 by tomalrussell
  • Seguimos adelante a pesar de los obstáculos.
    We pushed ahead despite the obstacles.
    This sentence is useful for showing how to use obstáculos when describing perseverance.
    Tatoeba #1685688 by teskmon, translation #248891 by CK
  • Yo considero a los obstáculos como un desafío.
    I see obstacles as challenges.
    This sentence is useful for demonstrating how to use obstáculos when discussing challenges.
    Tatoeba #1134298 by marcelostockle, translation #9400947 by DJ_Saidez
  • Los obstáculos que enfrentamos son parte natural de la vida.
    The obstacles we face are a natural part of life.
  • La superación de los obstáculos requiere determinación y perseverancia.
    Overcoming obstacles requires determination and perseverance.
  • Tenemos que identificar los impedimentos para lograr un cambio significativo.
    We need to identify the obstacles to achieve significant change.
  • Los impedimentos burocráticos dificultan el progreso económico.
    Bureaucratic obstacles hinder economic progress.
  • Estoy luchando contra varios problemas en mi proyecto.
    I'm struggling with several obstacles in my project.
  • Los problemas siempre aparecen, pero nunca son insuperables.
    Obstacles always appear, but they are never insurmountable.
  • No quiero enfrentar más trabas en mi camino hacia el éxito.
    I don't want to face any more obstacles on my path to success.
  • A pesar de las trabas, lograré alcanzar mis metas.
    Despite the obstacles, I will achieve my goals.
  • Las dificultades que enfrentamos nos hacen más fuertes.
    The obstacles we face make us stronger.
  • Superar las dificultades es una demostración de valentía.
    Overcoming obstacles is a demonstration of bravery.
  • El proyecto enfrentó varios obstáculos, pero logramos superarlos.
    The project faced several obstacles, but we managed to overcome them.
  • 9 more sentences on Tatoeba

Example conversation

Mateo and María are discussing their hiking trip.

  1. Mateo

    ¿Ves esos obstáculos en la montaña?
    Do you see those obstacles on the mountain?
  2. María

    Sí, pero podemos pasar por encima de ellos.
    Yes, but we can get over them.
  3. Mateo

    Tienes razón, María, eres muy valiente.
    You are right, María, you are very brave.
  4. María

    Gracias, Mateo, vamos con cuidado.
    Thanks, Mateo, let's go carefully.

Sources

  • IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
  • Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
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Kay Sienna
Kay SiennaHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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