haber (un) atasco
there is (a) jam
The Spanish phrase 'haber (un) atasco' translates to 'there is (a) jam' in English. It is often used to describe traffic situations where the vehicles cannot move due to congestion, similar to a jam or blockage. Note that 'hay' is commonly used for 'there is' while 'un' is 'a' and 'atasco' is 'jam'. Apart from traffic context, it can also be metaphorically used for any kind of hindrance or obstruction. It's a handy phrase to remember when you find yourself in a crowded or halted situation.
Example sentences using: haber (un) atasco
Decidimos salir temprano debido a que podría haber un atasco en el camino.
We decided to leave early because there might be a traffic jam on the way.
In this sentence, 'haber un atasco' is used to express the possibility of a traffic jam. Even though the literal translation is 'there is a traffic jam', it is best understood as 'there might be a traffic jam' in this context.
Asegúrate de añadir tiempo extra a tu viaje, ya que es probable que haya un atasco en la hora pico.
Make sure to add extra time to your trip, as there is likely to be a traffic jam at peak hour.
This sentence includes the phrase 'haya un atasco', expressing the likelihood of a traffic jam. It is translated as 'there is likely to be a traffic jam'. In Spanish, 'es probable que' is used to express probability, followed by the subjunctive form of the verb 'haber'.
Si te vas por la autopista, podría haber un atasco debido a las obras en construcción.
If you take the highway, there might be a traffic jam due to construction works.
This sentence also uses 'haber un atasco' to talk about the possibility of encountering a traffic jam due to construction. The phrase 'podría haber un atasco' is best translated as 'there might be a traffic jam' in this context.