Inklingo

How to Say "jam" in Spanish

English → Spanish

mermelada

mer-meh-LAH-dahmeɾmeˈlaða

nounA1general
Use this word for the sweet, fruit-based spread you put on toast or pastries.
A glass jar filled with red strawberry jam and a small spoon resting inside.

Examples

Me encanta el pan con mantequilla y mermelada de durazno.

I love bread with butter and peach jam.

Quiero una tostada con mantequilla y mermelada de fresa.

I want a piece of toast with butter and strawberry jam.

Esta mermelada casera no tiene conservantes.

This homemade jam doesn't have preservatives.

Untó la mermelada con cuidado sobre el bizcocho.

He carefully spread the jam over the sponge cake.

One word for all fruits

In English, 'marmalade' usually means orange or citrus. In Spanish, 'mermelada' covers everything: strawberry, peach, orange, and more!

Feminine Noun

This word is feminine, so you always use 'la' or 'una' with it (la mermelada).

The 'Marmelada' Trap

Mistake: “Me gusta la marmelada.”

Correction: Me gusta la mermelada. Remember it starts with 'mer-' like 'merienda' (afternoon snack)!

atasco

nounA2general
This is the most common word for a traffic jam, referring to a line of stationary vehicles.

Examples

Había un gran atasco en la autopista por la mañana.

There was a big traffic jam on the highway in the morning.

bloqueo

blo-KEH-ohbloˈke.o

nounA2general
Use this less common term for a traffic jam when it's caused by a specific obstruction or blockage, like an accident or protest.
A large, grey boulder completely obstructs a winding, paved road, illustrating a physical blockage.

Examples

El bloqueo en la calle principal impidió el paso de los coches.

The blockage on the main street prevented cars from passing.

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.

colapso

ko-LAP-sokoˈlapso

nounB1general
This term refers to a severe and complete standstill of traffic, a total traffic jam.
A wooden bridge with broken planks and a sagging middle section.

Examples

Los manifestantes causaron un colapso circulatorio en el centro de la ciudad.

The protesters caused a traffic collapse in the city center.

Hubo un colapso total del tráfico en el centro.

There was a total traffic jam in the center.

El sistema de salud está al borde del colapso.

The healthcare system is on the verge of collapse.

La burbuja inmobiliaria provocó un colapso económico.

The housing bubble caused an economic crash.

Always Masculine

This word is always masculine. You should always use 'el' or 'un' with it, regardless of what is collapsing.

Don't confuse with the verb

Mistake: “El tráfico colapso.”

Correction: El tráfico colapsó (verb) or Hubo un colapso (noun).

Confusing Traffic Jams and Fruit Spreads

The most common mistake is using a word for traffic jams when you mean fruit spread, or vice versa. Remember that 'mermelada' is *only* for fruit preserves; 'atasco' is the standard term for a traffic jam.

Related Translations

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