How to Say "to stall" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to stall” is “atorar” — use 'atorar' when something gets physically stuck or blocked, preventing movement, like a car engine or a person choking..
atorar
/ah-toh-RAR//atoˈɾaɾ/
Examples
El coche se atoró en el barro.
The car got stuck in the mud.
Me atoré con un hueso de pollo.
I choked on a chicken bone.
El coche se atoró en el lodo y no pudimos moverlo.
The car got stuck in the mud and we couldn't move it.
Estaba tan nervioso que me atoré a mitad del discurso.
I was so nervous that I got tongue-tied in the middle of the speech.
The Reflexive 'Se'
When you are the one experiencing the 'stuck' feeling (like choking or being in traffic), you must add 'me, te, se, nos, os' before the verb.
Choking: Food vs. Water
In Spanish, use 'atorarse' when a solid object (like bread) is stuck. If you are struggling with liquid or lack of air in water, use 'ahogarse'.
Using 'chocar' for traffic
Mistake: “Me choqué en el tráfico.”
Correction: Me atoré en el tráfico. ('Chocar' means to crash into something; 'atorarse' means you are stuck and cannot move).
paralizar
/pah-rah-lee-thahr//paɾaliˈθaɾ/
Examples
La falta de fondos paralizó el proyecto de construcción.
The lack of funds stalled the construction project.
La huelga paralizó el transporte público en toda la ciudad.
The strike brought public transport to a standstill across the city.
La falta de presupuesto paralizó la construcción del hospital.
The lack of budget stalled the construction of the hospital.
La crisis económica paralizó el mercado inmobiliario.
The economic crisis paralyzed the real estate market.
Business Context
In news or business, 'paralizar' is stronger than 'parar'. It implies a complete stop where nothing is moving.
Stall vs. Paralyze
Mistake: “parar el proyecto”
Correction: If the project is completely deadlocked, use 'paralizar' for more impact.
Physical vs. Figurative Stalling
Related Translations
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