Inklingo

How to Say "snag" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word forsnagis obstáculouse 'obstáculo' when referring to a significant impediment or barrier that hinders progress, like a major difficulty in achieving a goal..

English → Spanish

obstáculo

nounB1general
Use 'obstáculo' when referring to a significant impediment or barrier that hinders progress, like a major difficulty in achieving a goal.

Examples

La falta de dinero es un gran obstáculo para mis planes.

The lack of money is a big obstacle for my plans.

pega

PEH-gah/ˈpe.ɣa/

nounB1informal
Use 'pega' to describe a specific, often minor, inconvenient aspect or drawback of something that is otherwise good.
A small, simple character walking along a smooth path, encountering a single, large, immovable gray boulder completely blocking the way forward, illustrating a setback.

Examples

La única pega de este trabajo es el horario nocturno.

The only drawback of this job is the night schedule.

Si no fuera por esa pega, lo compraría ahora mismo.

If it weren't for that hitch, I would buy it right now.

Obstáculo vs. Pega

Learners often confuse 'obstáculo' and 'pega' by using 'obstáculo' for minor inconveniences. Remember that 'obstáculo' implies a more serious hindrance, whereas 'pega' refers to a specific, often smaller, downside.

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.