obstruir
“obstruir” means “to block” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to block
Also: to clog
📝 In Action
La grasa puede obstruir las tuberías de la cocina.
B1Grease can clog the kitchen pipes.
Un camión volcado está obstruyendo el tráfico en la avenida.
A2An overturned truck is blocking traffic on the avenue.
El médico dice que una arteria se ha obstruido.
B2The doctor says an artery has become blocked.
to hinder
Also: to obstruct
📝 In Action
No debemos permitir que la burocracia obstruya el progreso.
B2We must not allow bureaucracy to hinder progress.
Fue acusado de obstruir a la justicia.
C1He was accused of obstructing justice.
Sus acciones solo sirven para obstruir las negociaciones.
B2His actions only serve to hinder the negotiations.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: obstruir
Question 1 of 3
How do you say 'I block' in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'obstruere', which combines 'ob' (against) and 'struere' (to build/pile up). Literally, it means to build something that stands in the way.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'obstruir' the same as 'bloquear'?
They are very similar! 'Bloquear' is more common for technology (blocking a phone) or sports, while 'obstruir' is often used for pipes, medical issues, or legal processes.
Why is there a 'y' in 'obstruyo'?
It's a spelling rule! In Spanish, when a verb ends in '-uir', we add a 'y' when the ending starts with an 'o', 'e', or 'a' to make it easier to pronounce.
Can I use 'obstruir' to say I'm blocked on social media?
No, for social media you should use 'bloquear'. 'Obstruir' is for physical things like traffic or pipes, or abstract things like 'justice'.