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How to Say "clogged" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “clogged” is “atascado” — use 'atascado' when referring to pipes, drains, or other channels that are physically blocked and preventing flow.

English → Spanish

atascado

ah-tahs-KAH-dohatasˈkaðo

adjectiveA2general
Use 'atascado' when referring to pipes, drains, or other channels that are physically blocked and preventing flow.
A bright red toy car buried deep in thick brown mud on a sunny day, unable to move its wheels.

Examples

El desagüe está completamente atascado y no pasa el agua.

The drain is completely clogged and the water won't go through.

Estuvimos atascados en el tráfico por dos horas.

We were stuck in traffic for two hours.

La puerta del coche se quedó atascada y no pude abrirla.

The car door got jammed and I couldn't open it.

Adjective from a Verb

This word is the 'past participle' of the verb 'atascar' (to clog or jam). It works like an adjective, describing the state of being clogged or stuck.

Using ESTAR

Because 'atascado' describes a temporary state (a pipe wasn't always clogged), it almost always pairs with the verb 'estar' (to be) to show that current condition: 'El tubo está atascado.'

Mixing up SER and ESTAR

Mistake: “El baño es atascado.”

Correction: El baño está atascado. (Use 'estar' because being stuck is a temporary state, not a permanent characteristic.)

tapado

ta-PAH-dohtaˈpaðo

adjectiveA2general
Use 'tapado' for things that are covered or blocked, such as a sink drain or a stuffy nose.
A wooden crate wrapped in a thick, colorful wool blanket.

Examples

El fregadero está tapado y el agua no baja.

The sink is clogged and the water won't go down.

No puedo respirar bien porque tengo la nariz tapada.

I can't breathe well because I have a stuffy nose.

El cielo está totalmente tapado por las nubes.

The sky is completely covered by clouds.

Describing States with 'Estar'

Since being 'clogged' or 'covered' is usually a temporary condition, we use the verb 'estar' (to be) instead of 'ser'.

Matching the Ending

This word must change its ending to match what you are describing. Use 'tapado' for masculine items (el fregadero) and 'tapada' for feminine items (la nariz).

Stuffy Nose Error

Mistake: “Tengo una nariz bloqueada.”

Correction: Tengo la nariz tapada. While 'bloqueada' is understood, 'tapada' is the most natural way to say your nose is stuffed up in Spanish.

Atascado vs. Tapado for Clogged

Learners often confuse 'atascado' and 'tapado'. While both can describe a blocked pipe, 'atascado' implies a more severe blockage, often with something stuck firmly inside, whereas 'tapado' can simply mean covered or obstructed, and is also commonly used for a blocked nose.

Related Translations

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