How to Say "get stuck" in Spanish

The Spanish word for “get stuck” is “atrapar” — B2 level.

English → SpanishB2

atrapar

verbB2informal

in traffic, a routine

A bright red car completely stuck and surrounded by a long line of stationary vehicles on a road, illustrating heavy traffic.

Examples

Me atrapé en el tráfico y llegué tarde.

I got stuck in traffic and arrived late.

Se atrapó en su trabajo y olvidó el cumpleaños.

He got caught up in his work and forgot the birthday.

The Reflexive 'Se'

When you add 'se' (atraparse), the action bounces back onto the person performing it. Instead of 'catching' something else, you are 'getting caught' or 'stuck' yourself.

Using 'Atrapar' for Weather

Mistake: “Fui a atrapar por la lluvia. (I went to catch by the rain.)”

Correction: Me atrapó la lluvia. (The rain caught me / I got caught in the rain.) In Spanish, the rain is often the one doing the 'catching' when referring to getting wet.

See full entry for “atrapar” →

Related Translations

capture→catch→catch out→corner→get drenched→seize→snare→trap→

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