atrapados
ah-trah-PAH-dohs
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Había diez excursionistas atrapados en la cueva.
B1There were ten hikers trapped in the cave.
Los niños se sintieron atrapados en el tráfico por horas.
A2The children felt stuck in traffic for hours.
Estamos atrapados en un círculo vicioso de trabajo y deuda.
B2We are caught in a vicious cycle of work and debt.
💡 Grammar Points
Agreement is Key
Since 'atrapados' is an adjective, it must match the thing it describes. This specific form is for multiple masculine people or things (or a mixed group of males and females).
Using 'Estar'
You almost always use 'estar' (to be) with 'atrapados' because it describes a temporary state or condition: 'Estamos atrapados' (We are trapped).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up Gender/Number
Mistake: "Las personas estaban atrapados."
Correction: Las personas estaban atrapadas. (The people were trapped.) Remember to match the ending: -a for feminine, -o for masculine, -s for plural.
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Use
This word is often used metaphorically to describe feeling overwhelmed or restricted, not just physically: 'Atrapados por el miedo' (Trapped by fear).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: atrapados
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'atrapados'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'atrapados' a verb or an adjective?
It is technically the past participle of the verb 'atrapar,' but in everyday conversation, it functions primarily as an adjective, describing the state of being caught or stuck. This form is the masculine plural version.
How do I say 'she is trapped'?
You must change the ending to match the feminine singular noun: 'Ella está atrapada.' The ending must always match the person or thing you are describing.