Translation guide
A traffic jam is a line of vehicles that are moving very slowly or not at all because the road is crowded. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to express this is with the noun 渋滞 (じゅうたい). There are also related phrases and verbs for describing being stuck in traffic.
渋滞
traffic jam
Referring to a traffic jam as a situation or event.
The standard word for 'traffic jam' or 'congestion'. Used for roads and highways.
高速道路で渋滞に巻き込まれた。
I got caught in a traffic jam on the expressway.
この辺りはいつも渋滞している。
This area is always congested.
A more formal or explicit term, literally 'traffic congestion'. Often used in news or official contexts.
交通渋滞のため、到着が遅れます。
We will be delayed due to a traffic jam.
Means 'currently congested' or 'in a traffic jam'. Often seen on electronic road signs.
この先、渋滞中です。
There is a traffic jam ahead.
Describing the experience of being in a traffic jam.
Literally 'to fall into a traffic jam', meaning to get stuck in one. Very common and natural.
帰省ラッシュでひどい渋滞にはまった。
I got stuck in a terrible traffic jam during the holiday rush.
Means 'to be caught up in a traffic jam', emphasizing that it was unexpected or unavoidable.
事故による渋滞に巻き込まれて、遅刻した。
I was late because I got caught in a traffic jam caused by an accident.
Describes being at a standstill in a traffic jam. 'The traffic isn't moving.'
もう1時間も渋滞で動かない。
We haven't moved for an hour because of the traffic jam.
Referring to a specific instance of a traffic jam, often with a length or location.
Used to specify the length of a traffic jam. For example, 'a 10-kilometer traffic jam'.
東名高速で20キロの渋滞が発生している。
There is a 20-kilometer traffic jam on the Tomei Expressway.
Discussing traffic congestion as a broader issue or phenomenon.
A more formal term for 'traffic congestion', often used in urban planning or academic contexts.
交通混雑の緩和策が求められている。
Measures to alleviate traffic congestion are needed.
渋滞する (じゅうたいする) is a common verb meaning 'to be congested' or 'to have a traffic jam'. It is often used in the ている form to describe an ongoing state.
道が渋滞している。
The road is congested.
渋滞 is specifically for vehicle traffic. 混雑 (こんざつ) means 'crowded' or 'congested' and can be used for places, trains, or events. Don't use 混雑 for a traffic jam unless you mean the area is generally crowded with people and cars.
駅が混雑している。
The station is crowded.
遅れてすみません。渋滞でした。
Sorry I'm late. There was a traffic jam.
この先、渋滞していますか？
Is there a traffic jam ahead?