Spanish Conversation · Level 137
44 words
Spanish word
traba
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈtɾaβa/
Meaning
- feminine nounobstacle
Example
La traba en la puerta impidió la entrada.
The obstacle on the door prevented entry.
More examples
Las trabas administrativas retrasaron el proyecto.
Administrative obstacles delayed the project.
Core concept
A fastening bolt blocking a door.
Common phrases
poner trabas a
put obstacles in the way of
poner una traba
place an obstacle
Similar words
obstáculo: Physical or situational barrier that halts movement or progress in a task or path.
impedimento: Circumstance or legal/administrative factor that makes an action or plan difficult to carry out.
barrera: Physical structure placed to prevent passage or access along a route or entry.
bloqueo: Situation in which a passage, route, or flow is closed off, producing a complete block.
Definition in Spanish
Dificultad o elemento que bloquea o entorpece la realización de una acción, trámite o proyecto.
Word origin
From medieval Spanish trava meaning a fastening or bar and influenced by the verb trabar 'to bind', the noun developed the sense of something that blocks or hinders action.
Usage tips
- Often used in bureaucratic contexts in the plural 'trabas', with 'poner trabas a alguien' meaning to create obstacles and 'encontrar trabas en un trámite' meaning to encounter procedural hurdles.