Inklingo
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atrapado

/ah-trah-PAH-doh/

trapped

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

When something is physically unable to move, it is atrapado (trapped).

atrapado(Adjective)

mA2

trapped

?

physically unable to move

,

caught

?

captured by someone or something

Also:

stuck

?

unable to be removed

📝 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

  • cogido (caught)
  • encerrado (locked in)

Antonyms

  • libre (free)
  • suelto (loose)

Common Collocations

  • estar atrapado – to be trapped/stuck

💡 Grammar Points

Agreement is Key

Like all Spanish describing words, 'atrapado' must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes: 'atrapado' (masculine singular), 'atrapada' (feminine singular), 'atrapados' (masculine plural), and 'atrapadas' (feminine plural).

⭐ Usage Tips

Use with 'Estar'

You almost always use 'atrapado' with the verb 'estar' (to be) to describe the temporary state of being caught or stuck.

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.

If you are stuck in a bad situation or routine, you are also atrapado.

atrapado(Adjective)

mB1

stuck

?

in a routine or bad situation

,

bogged down

?

overwhelmed by work or responsibility

Also:

tied up

?

too busy to do something else

📝 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

  • bloqueado (blocked)
  • agobiado (overwhelmed)

Common Collocations

  • atrapado en el tráfico – stuck in traffic
  • sentirse atrapado – to feel trapped

Idioms & Expressions

  • estar atrapado sin salida – to be in a hopeless situation

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'Ser'

Mistake: "Soy atrapado."

Correction: You must use 'estar' (Estoy atrapado) because being trapped is a temporary state or condition, not a permanent characteristic like height or personality.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: atrapado

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

atrapar(to trap/to catch) - verb
trampa(trap/snare) - noun
atrapamiento(entrapment) - noun

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.