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How to Say "blockage" in Spanish

English → Spanish

bloqueo

blo-KEH-ohbloˈke.o

nounA2general
Use 'bloqueo' for a general physical obstruction that is preventing movement or access, such as a road closure or a traffic jam.
A large, grey boulder completely obstructs a winding, paved road, illustrating a physical blockage.

Examples

Hay un bloqueo en la carretera principal debido a un accidente.

There is a blockage on the main road due to an accident.

La policía levantó el bloqueo que impedía el paso de los camiones.

The police lifted the road closure that was preventing the trucks from passing.

Masculine Noun Rule

Remember that 'bloqueo' is a masculine noun, so you always use 'el' or 'un' before it (e.g., 'el bloqueo').

Using the wrong gender

Mistake: “La bloqueo.”

Correction: El bloqueo. The word ends in '-o', which is a common sign of a masculine noun.

obstrucción

nounB1general
Use 'obstrucción' specifically for blockages within pipes, airways, or other internal passages where something is impeding flow.

Examples

La obstrucción en el fregadero es difícil de quitar.

The blockage in the sink is hard to remove.

General vs. Specific Blockages

Learners often confuse 'bloqueo' and 'obstrucción' by using 'bloqueo' for internal blockages. Remember, 'bloqueo' is for external obstructions preventing movement, while 'obstrucción' is for internal blockages impeding flow.

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