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.
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.
I got caught in a traffic jam on the expressway.
This area is always congested.
A more formal or explicit term, literally 'traffic congestion'. Often used in news or official contexts.
We will be delayed due to a traffic jam.
Means 'currently congested' or 'in a traffic jam'. Often seen on electronic road signs.
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.
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.
Describes being at a standstill in a traffic jam. 'The traffic isn't moving.'
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'.
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.
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.
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.
The station is crowded.
Sorry I'm late. There was a traffic jam.
Is there a traffic jam ahead?
I was late because I got caught in a traffic jam caused by an accident.
We haven't moved for an hour because of the traffic jam.