Translation guide
The English phrase "get stuck" covers a range of situations where something becomes unable to move, progress, or escape. Japanese uses different verbs depending on what is stuck and how. This guide organizes the most common meanings and natural Japanese expressions.
Something is jammed, lodged, or unable to move freely.
General term for getting caught, snagged, or stuck on something. Used for objects, clothing, zippers, etc.
The zipper got stuck.
My sleeve got stuck on the doorknob.
Something is clogged, blocked, or jammed inside a passage or opening. Used for pipes, drains, printers, etc.
The paper got stuck in the printer.
The drain is stuck/clogged.
Something is stuck between two things, wedged in. Used for fingers, objects in gaps.
My finger got stuck in the door.
Literally "become unable to move." A safe, general phrase when something mechanical or a body part stops moving.
The car got stuck (wouldn't move).
A person or vehicle cannot get out of a location or predicament.
To be stranded or stuck and unable to proceed, often used for vehicles in snow or traffic, or people in a difficult spot.
The car got stuck in the heavy snow.
Literally "cannot move one's body." Used when physically trapped or stuck in a tight spot, or metaphorically in a difficult situation.
Cannot escape or get out of a place or situation. Often used for bad habits, crowds, or emotional states.
I got stuck in the crowd and couldn't get out.
To be shut in or trapped inside a place. Passive form of 閉じ込める.
I got stuck in the elevator.
Unable to make progress on a problem, question, or creative task.
Feeling trapped in a monotonous or undesirable situation.
Forced to deal with or keep something unwanted.
These three verbs are often confused. 引っかかる (hikkakaru) means caught on a projection or snagged. 詰まる (tsumaru) means blocked inside a channel. 挟まる (hasamaru) means wedged between two surfaces. Choose based on the type of obstruction.
My clothes got caught on a nail.
The pipe got clogged.
The book got stuck between the shelves.
Avoid directly translating 'get stuck' as スタックする or 詰まる in all cases. スタックする is mainly used in computing or technical contexts. Use the appropriate verb for the situation.
I got stuck in a narrow gap and couldn't move.
Literally "can't put one's hands on it." Means you don't know how to start or proceed, often because it's overwhelming.
The problem is so hard I'm stuck.
I got stuck for words.
I'm stuck with debt.