Inklingo

How to Say "trap" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “trap” is “trampa” — use this for a physical device or mechanism designed to catch something, like an animal or an insect. It can also be used figuratively for a trick or deceit..

trampa🔊A2

Use this for a physical device or mechanism designed to catch something, like an animal or an insect. It can also be used figuratively for a trick or deceit.

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atrapar🔊B1

Use this verb when the meaning is to catch someone or something, often in a difficult situation or by surprise, or to get stuck.

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emboscada🔊B1

This refers to an ambush, a surprise attack or trap set by an enemy, especially in a military or dangerous context.

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jaula🔊B1

Use this figurative term when 'trap' implies a feeling of being confined, restricted, or unable to escape a situation, like a prison or cage.

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encerrada🔊B2

This specific noun refers to a social setup or trick, often arranged by friends, to make someone do or say something.

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cárcelC1

Use this when 'trap' is used metaphorically to describe a situation that feels inescapable, like a prison.

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pico🔊B2

In a very informal context, this can mean a 'trap' for someone's mouth, used as a rude way to tell them to be quiet or stop talking.

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English → Spanish

trampa

/tram-pa//ˈtɾampa/

nounA2general
Use this for a physical device or mechanism designed to catch something, like an animal or an insect. It can also be used figuratively for a trick or deceit.
A simple wooden box trap, baited with a small piece of cheese, resting on a patch of dirt and grass.

Examples

Pusimos una trampa para ratones en la cocina.

We put a mousetrap in the kitchen.

Ten cuidado, esa zona está llena de trampas naturales.

Be careful, that area is full of natural traps (pitfalls).

atrapar

/a-tra-par//a.tɾaˈpaɾ/

verbB1general
Use this verb when the meaning is to catch someone or something, often in a difficult situation or by surprise, or to get stuck.
A small, simple cartoon creature looking worried while caught inside a large, restrictive net on green grass.

Examples

Los periodistas intentaron atrapar al político con una pregunta difícil.

The journalists tried to corner the politician with a difficult question.

La policía atrapó al ladrón justo cuando intentaba escapar.

The police trapped the thief just as he was trying to escape.

Lo atrapamos en una contradicción, ¡así supimos que mentía!

We caught him out in a contradiction, that's how we knew he was lying!

emboscada

/em-bos-KAH-dah//em-bosˈkaða/

nounB1general
This refers to an ambush, a surprise attack or trap set by an enemy, especially in a military or dangerous context.
A small group of friendly cartoon characters hiding behind large trees and bushes, waiting to surprise a friend.

Examples

Los soldados cayeron en una emboscada en el bosque.

The soldiers fell into an ambush in the forest.

La policía preparó una emboscada para atrapar al ladrón.

The police set a trap to catch the thief.

Siento que esta reunión fue una emboscada para criticar mi trabajo.

I feel like this meeting was a setup to criticize my work.

Always Feminine

This word is always feminine, so you must use 'la' or 'una' before it, regardless of who is being ambushed.

Emboscada vs. Trampa

Mistake: “Using 'emboscada' for a mouse trap.”

Correction: Use 'trampa' for mechanical devices. Use 'emboscada' for situations where people are hiding to surprise someone.

jaula

HAH-oo-lah/ˈxaula/

nounB1figurative
Use this figurative term when 'trap' implies a feeling of being confined, restricted, or unable to escape a situation, like a prison or cage.
A single bright red rose bloom completely surrounded and enclosed by thick, restrictive iron bars.

Examples

Siente que su trabajo es una jaula de la que no puede escapar.

She feels her job is a cage (a trap) from which she cannot escape.

El coche de carreras tenía una jaula antivuelco para la seguridad del piloto.

The race car had a roll cage for the driver's safety.

encerrada

/en-seh-RAH-dah//enθeˈraða/

nounB2informal
This specific noun refers to a social setup or trick, often arranged by friends, to make someone do or say something.
A wooden box propped up by a stick with a piece of cheese underneath it.

Examples

Mis amigos me hicieron una encerrada para que hablara con mi ex.

My friends set a trap for me so I would talk to my ex.

Using 'Hacer'

When this word is a noun meaning 'a setup,' it is almost always used with the verb 'hacer' (to make/to do).

cárcel

nounC1figurative
Use this when 'trap' is used metaphorically to describe a situation that feels inescapable, like a prison.

Examples

Para ella, su matrimonio se había convertido en una cárcel.

For her, her marriage had become a prison.

pico

/PEE-koh//ˈpiko/

nounB2informal, colloquial
In a very informal context, this can mean a 'trap' for someone's mouth, used as a rude way to tell them to be quiet or stop talking.
A simple illustration showing a close-up of a human face, emphasizing the slightly smiling mouth and lips.

Examples

¡Cierra el pico y escúchame!

Shut your mouth (trap your beak) and listen to me!

Le dio un pico a su novia antes de irse.

He gave his girlfriend a quick kiss before leaving.

Formal vs. Informal

Mistake: “Using 'pico' in a formal presentation when referring to a person's mouth.”

Correction: Use 'boca' instead. 'Pico' carries an informal or slightly rude tone when talking about a person.

Physical Device vs. Figurative Situation

The most common mistake is using 'trampa' for all figurative meanings. Remember, while 'trampa' can be figurative, specific words like 'jaula' (cage/confinement) or 'cárcel' (prison/inescapable situation) are often more precise for describing feelings of restriction.

Related Translations

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