Stuck in traffic Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈstək/ /ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈtɹæfɪk

STUK-in TRAF-ik

UK

stˈʌk/ /ˈɪn/ /tɹˈæfɪk

STUK-in TRAF-ik

Definition

Unable to move freely in your car because there are too many vehicles on the road. It describes being delayed due to heavy road traffic.

Usage & Nuances

Common informal phrase to explain being late. Usually used with 'got', 'was', or 'am' (e.g., 'I got stuck in traffic'). Refers only to cars or vehicles, not pedestrians. Can be used as an excuse for lateness.

• Spanish: atrapado en el tráfico - atrapada en el tráfico
• Portuguese (BR): preso no trânsito - presa no trânsito
• Portuguese (PT): preso no trânsito - presa no trânsito
• Chinese (Simplified): 堵在路上 - 被堵车
• Chinese (Traditional): 塞在路上 - 被塞車
• Hindi: ट्रैफिक में फँसे
• Arabic: عالِق في الزحام
• Bengali: জামে পড়ে থাকা - ট্রাফিকে আটকে থাকা
• Russian: застрять в пробке
• Japanese: 渋滞にはまる - 渋滞で動けなくなる
• Vietnamese: kẹt xe
• Korean: 차가 막히다
• Turkish: trafikte sıkışıp kalmak
• Urdu: ٹریفک میں پھنس جانا
• Indonesian: terjebak macet

Example Sentences

Sorry, I was stuck in traffic this morning.

basic

We got stuck in traffic on the way to school.

basic

He's always late because he's always stuck in traffic.

basic

Ugh, I got stuck in traffic for over an hour!

natural

If you leave now, you won't get stuck in traffic.

natural

Half the office was stuck in traffic after that accident.

natural