A small group of friendly cartoon characters hiding behind large trees and bushes, waiting to surprise a friend.

emboscada

em-bos-KAH-dah

nounfB1

ambush?a surprise attack from a hidden position

Also:trap?a trick or setup to catch someone

📝 In Action

Los soldados cayeron en una emboscada en el bosque.

The soldiers fell into an ambush in the forest.

La policía preparó una emboscada para atrapar al ladrón.

The police set a trap to catch the thief.

Siento que esta reunión fue una emboscada para criticar mi trabajo.

I feel like this meeting was a setup to criticize my work.

Word Connections

Synonyms

trampa (trap)
celada (snare/ambush)

Common Collocations

caer en una emboscada – to fall into an ambush
preparar una emboscada – to set up an ambush
tender una emboscada – to lay an ambush

💡 Grammar Points

Always Feminine

This word is always feminine, so you must use 'la' or 'una' before it, regardless of who is being ambushed.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Emboscada vs. Trampa

Mistake: "Using 'emboscada' for a mouse trap."

Correction: Use 'trampa' for mechanical devices. Use 'emboscada' for situations where people are hiding to surprise someone.

⭐ Usage Tips

Visualizing the word

Think of the word 'bosque' (forest) inside 'emboscada'. It literally means 'in the woods', which is where people traditionally hid for an ambush.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: emboscada

Question 1 of 1

Which verb is most commonly used with 'emboscada' to say someone was caught by surprise?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

emboscar(to ambush) - verb

bosque(forest) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Can 'emboscada' be used for a practical joke?

Usually, 'emboscada' sounds a bit serious or aggressive. If it's a lighthearted prank, 'bromita' or 'sorpresa' is better, unless the prank involved people literally hiding in the bushes!

Is 'emboscada' related to 'emboscar'?

Yes! 'Emboscar' is the action (the verb) of setting the trap, and 'emboscada' is the trap itself (the noun).