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.
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'.
I got stuck in a traffic jam on the highway.
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.
The road congestion is terrible.
Literally 'traffic congestion', a more formal or explicit compound often used in news reports.
Due to traffic congestion, arrival will be delayed.
Means 'currently congested', often seen on traffic signs or apps.
There is congestion ahead.
Describing a place that is crowded with people, such as a train, store, or event.
The most common word for a place being crowded or congested with people. Can be used as a noun or with する.
The station gets congested during rush hour.
A verb meaning 'to be crowded' or 'to be packed'. Slightly more casual than 混雑.
Refers to a crowd of people or a crowded place. Often used to describe the discomfort of being in a crowd.
Means 'full house' or 'packed to capacity', often used for trains, elevators, or venues.
Describing a stuffy nose due to a cold, allergies, or sinus issues.
The standard term for a stuffy or blocked nose. Literally 'nose blockage'.
I have terrible nasal congestion from a cold.
A verb phrase meaning 'nose gets stuffy' or 'nose is blocked'. More colloquial.
My nose is congested and it's hard to breathe.
Medical term for nasal obstruction or congestion. Used in clinical contexts.
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 store was so crowded I couldn't browse comfortably.
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.
人混みの中を歩くのは疲れる。
Walking through crowds is tiring.
満員電車に乗るのは大変だ。
Riding a packed train is tough.
Please tell me how to relieve nasal congestion.
If nasal congestion persists, see an ENT doctor.