Translation guide
The English word "congestion" covers several distinct situations: traffic jams, crowded places, and medical nasal/sinus blockage. Japanese uses different words for each, so it's important to choose the right one based on context.
Describing heavy traffic, traffic jams, or roads being backed up.
Describing a place that is crowded with people, such as a train, store, or event.
Describing a stuffy nose due to a cold, allergies, or sinus issues.
混雑 is a general term for congestion or crowding, applicable to both people and vehicles. 渋滞 specifically means traffic jam or traffic congestion, and is not used for crowded rooms or trains. Use 渋滞 for roads and 混雑 for places with many people.
While 混雑 can translate to 'congestion' in many contexts, it never means nasal congestion. For a stuffy nose, use 鼻づまり or 鼻が詰まる.
The standard word for traffic congestion or a traffic jam. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to be congested'.
高速道路で渋滞に巻き込まれた。
I got stuck in a traffic jam on the highway.
この道はいつも渋滞している。
This road is always congested.
A broader term for congestion or crowding, often used for both traffic and crowded places. For traffic, it's slightly less specific than 渋滞 but still common.
道路の混雑がひどい。
The road congestion is terrible.
Literally 'traffic congestion', a more formal or explicit compound often used in news reports.
交通渋滞のため、到着が遅れます。
Due to traffic congestion, arrival will be delayed.
Means 'currently congested', often seen on traffic signs or apps.
この先、渋滞中です。
There is congestion ahead.
The most common word for a place being crowded or congested with people. Can be used as a noun or with する.
駅は通勤時間帯に混雑する。
The station gets congested during rush hour.
店内が混雑していて、ゆっくり見られなかった。
The store was so crowded I couldn't browse comfortably.
A verb meaning 'to be crowded' or 'to be packed'. Slightly more casual than 混雑.
電車が込み合っていて、座れなかった。
The train was so crowded I couldn't sit down.
Refers to a crowd of people or a crowded place. Often used to describe the discomfort of being in a crowd.
人混みの中を歩くのは疲れる。
Walking through crowds is tiring.
Means 'full house' or 'packed to capacity', often used for trains, elevators, or venues.
満員電車に乗るのは大変だ。
Riding a packed train is tough.
The standard term for a stuffy or blocked nose. Literally 'nose blockage'.
風邪で鼻づまりがひどい。
I have terrible nasal congestion from a cold.
鼻づまりを解消する方法を教えてください。
Please tell me how to relieve nasal congestion.
A verb phrase meaning 'nose gets stuffy' or 'nose is blocked'. More colloquial.
鼻が詰まって息がしにくい。
My nose is congested and it's hard to breathe.
Medical term for nasal obstruction or congestion. Used in clinical contexts.
鼻閉の症状が続く場合は耳鼻科へ。
If nasal congestion persists, see an ENT doctor.