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How to Say "blockade" in Spanish

English → Spanish

bloqueo

blo-KEH-oh/bloˈke.o/

nounC1general
Use 'bloqueo' for a general political or military action that prevents movement or access, often economic in nature.
Three gray naval ships are positioned in a straight line across a blue sea horizon, preventing passage, representing a military blockade.

Examples

El país impuso un bloqueo económico total a su nación vecina.

The country imposed a total economic blockade on its neighboring nation.

El bloqueo de fondos afectó gravemente la operación de la empresa.

The freezing of funds severely affected the company's operation.

Formal Context

This meaning of 'bloqueo' is often found in news reports, academic papers, and official government statements.

embargo

/em-BAR-go//emˈbaɾ.ɣo/

nounB1legal/economic
Choose 'embargo' specifically when referring to a legal or official restriction on trade or commerce with a particular country.
A massive, official red and yellow barrier blocking the path of a large blue cargo ship trying to enter a busy international port, symbolizing a trade ban.

Examples

Estados Unidos impuso un embargo comercial a la isla.

The United States imposed a trade embargo on the island.

Levantar el embargo es el primer paso para normalizar las relaciones.

Lifting the embargo is the first step to normalizing relations.

sitio

/SEE-tyoh//ˈsitjo/

nounB2military
Use 'sitio' exclusively in a military context to describe the act of surrounding and besieging a town or fortress.
A simplistic, tall medieval stone castle completely surrounded by a continuous line of small, stylized tents and figures, emphasizing the blockade or siege.

Examples

El sitio de la ciudad duró casi un año.

The siege of the city lasted almost a year.

El ejército puso sitio a la fortaleza enemiga.

The army laid siege to the enemy fortress.

Bloqueo vs. Embargo

Learners often confuse 'bloqueo' and 'embargo'. Remember that 'embargo' specifically refers to trade restrictions, while 'bloqueo' is a broader term for any action that blocks access or movement, which can include economic measures but is not limited to them.

Related Translations

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