atasco de papel
/atasko de papel/from spelling rulesmasculine
The English phrase "paper jam" is atasco de papel in Spanish.
atasco de papel refers to a malfunction in a printer or photocopier.
Meaning: malfunction in a printer or photocopier (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of atasco (jam/blockage) and de papel (of paper).
Did you know?
- In a figurative sense, estar atascado can describe a person who is stuck in a dead-end job or a difficult life situation.
- The word atasco is also the standard term used to describe a traffic jam in Spain.
- The word papel comes from the Ancient Greek word pápuros, referring to the papyrus plant used to make early writing surfaces.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, hay un atasco de papel en la impresora.Excuse me, there is a paper jam in the printer.
- Hay un atasco de papel en la impresora.There is a paper jam in the printer.
- Este atasco de papel es muy difícil de arreglar.This paper jam is very difficult to fix.
- La fotocopiadora tiene un atasco de papel constante.The photocopier has a constant paper jam.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are in a shared office.
- JavierElena, la impresora no funciona.Elena, the printer is not working.
- Elena¿Es un atasco de papel, Javier?Is it a paper jam, Javier?
- JavierSí, parece un atasco de papel.Yes, it looks like a paper jam.
- ElenaDéjame intentar arreglarlo.Let me try to fix it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “paper jam” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries atasco, de, papel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
