atrapada
/ah-trah-PAH-dah/
trapped
Atrapada (trapped): This mouse is physically unable to escape the jar.
atrapada(Adjective)
trapped
?physically unable to escape
,stuck
?unable to move forward
caught
?as in a net or snare
📝 In Action
La excursionista estaba atrapada bajo un árbol caído.
A2The hiker was trapped beneath a fallen tree.
Me siento atrapada en esta situación, no sé qué hacer.
B1I feel stuck in this situation, I don't know what to do.
💡 Grammar Points
Agreement is Key
Since 'atrapada' is an adjective, it must match the person or thing it describes. Use 'atrapada' only for singular feminine nouns (like 'la mujer' or 'la gata').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Genders
Mistake: "La persona está atrapado."
Correction: La persona está atrapada. (Because 'persona' is always feminine, even if referring to a man.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with 'Estar'
You almost always use 'atrapada' with the verb 'estar' (to be) to describe a temporary state or condition.
Atrapada (hooked): The rabbit is completely absorbed by the show, unable to look away.
atrapada(Adjective)
hooked
?on a show or activity
,captivated
?mentally engrossed
engrossed
?deeply focused
📝 In Action
Estoy completamente atrapada por la trama de esta novela.
B1I am completely hooked on the plot of this novel.
Se siente atrapada en un amor no correspondido.
B2She feels trapped in an unrequited love.
💡 Grammar Points
Emotional States
This meaning describes how a person feels about an external stimulus (a book, a movie, a person). It always describes a state, so use 'estar' (e.g., 'estar atrapada').
⭐ Usage Tips
Using the Preposition 'Por'
When saying what you are 'hooked' by, use the preposition 'por' (by): 'atrapada por la película' (hooked by the movie).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: atrapada
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'atrapada' in its figurative sense (meaning hooked or captivated)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know whether to use 'atrapado' or 'atrapada'?
Since 'atrapada' is an adjective, you must match the gender and number of the person or thing you are describing. Use 'atrapada' for a single female person or a feminine noun (e.g., 'la mujer atrapada'). Use 'atrapado' for a single male person or a masculine noun.
Can 'atrapada' be used as a noun?
While technically possible in some specific regional contexts to mean 'a catch' or 'a trapping,' this is very rare. Stick to using it as an adjective meaning 'trapped' or 'stuck.' For the noun 'trap,' use 'trampa'.