escollo
/esˈkoʝo/masculine
The English phrase "stumbling block" can be translated into Spanish using escollo, obstáculo or atascadero.
Meaning: hindrance (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| escollo | /esˈkoʝo/ | masculine |
| obstáculo | /obsˈtakulo/ | |
| atascadero | /ataskadeɾo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
What does it mean word for word?
The word escollo literally refers to a reef or sandbank in the sea that can cause a ship to run aground, which is why it is used metaphorically for a stumbling block.
Which one should you use?
obstáculo is the most common, neutral term for any general obstacle, whereas escollo often implies a hidden or more complex difficulty. atascadero is also available as a term for a stumbling block.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun escollo forms its plural by adding -s to become los escollos.
How do you pronounce it?
/esˈkoʝo/
Did you know?
- The word escollo is a loanword from the Italian scoglio, which in turn came from Vulgar Latin.
- If you call a problem an atascadero, you are metaphorically describing a situation where one is 'bogged down' or 'jammed', much like a car stuck in deep mud.
- The Latin root of obstáculo, obstō, literally means 'to stand in the way' or 'to stare at', combining the ideas of blocking and confronting.
Examples in context
- La falta de financiamiento es un obstáculo importante para el desarrollo de la empresa.The lack of funding is a significant stumbling block for the company's development.
- Las regulaciones gubernamentales representan un impedimento para el crecimiento económico.Government regulations constitute a stumbling block to economic growth.
- La falta de tiempo se convierte en una traba para terminar mis tareas.The lack of time becomes a stumbling block for finishing my tasks.
- Esa falta de apoyo es un obstáculo importante.That lack of support is a significant stumbling block.
- La falta de organización es un impedimento para alcanzar los objetivos.The lack of organization is a stumbling block in achieving the goals.
- La falta de presupuesto fue el principal escollo del proyecto.The lack of budget was the main stumbling block of the project.
- La falta de presupuesto es un escollo.The lack of budget is a stumbling block.
- No quiero que este escollo detenga nuestro progreso.I don't want this stumbling block to stop our progress.
- Ese problema técnico resultó ser un gran escollo.That technical problem turned out to be a great stumbling block.
Example conversation
Javier and María are discussing a project delay at work.
- Javier¿Ves este escollo en el plan?Do you see this stumbling block in the plan?
- MaríaSí, Javier, es un problema serio.Yes, Javier, it is a serious problem.
- JavierDebemos superar este escollo pronto.We must overcome this stumbling block soon.
- MaríaTienes razón, buscaremos una solución.You are right, we will look for a solution.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stumbling block” translations and entries escollo, obstáculo, atascadero, 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 atascadero, escollo, obstáculo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
