Inklingo

atrapado

ah-trah-PAH-doh/a.tɾaˈpa.ðo/

atrapado means trapped in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

trapped, caught

Also: stuck
A tiny brown mouse is physically trapped inside a clear glass jar, looking frustrated and unable to escape.

📝 In Action

El gato estaba atrapado en el árbol.

A2

The cat was trapped in the tree.

Encontraron al ladrón atrapado por la policía.

B1

They found the thief caught by the police.

La pelota quedó atrapada entre las rocas.

A2

The ball got stuck between the rocks.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • estar atrapadoto be trapped/stuck

stuck, bogged down

Also: tied up
A cartoon character wearing a formal shirt is stuck waist-deep in thick, brown, sticky mud, symbolizing being stuck in a bad situation or routine.

📝 In Action

Me siento atrapado en este trabajo sin futuro.

B1

I feel stuck in this dead-end job.

Estábamos atrapados en el tráfico durante dos horas.

A2

We were stuck in traffic for two hours.

Ella se siente atrapada por la rutina diaria.

C1

She feels trapped by the daily routine.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • atrapado en el tráficostuck in traffic
  • sentirse atrapadoto feel trapped

Idioms & Expressions

  • estar atrapado sin salidato be in a hopeless situation

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "atrapado" in Spanish:

bogged downcaughtstucktied uptrapped

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: atrapado

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

Comes from the verb 'atrapar' (to trap or catch), which itself is derived from the Spanish word 'trampa' (a trap or snare). The word 'atrapado' describes the result—the state of having been caught.

First recorded: Medieval Spanish (as the verb form)

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: atrapado

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'atrapado' a verb or an adjective?

'Atrapado' is the past participle of the verb 'atrapar.' It is most often used as an adjective, meaning 'trapped' or 'stuck,' and must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes.

How do I say 'I am trapped'?

If you are male, say 'Estoy atrapado.' If you are female, say 'Estoy atrapada.' Remember to use 'estar' for this temporary state.