mắc nghẽn

Đường phố mắc nghẽn vì có quá nhiều xe ô tô.

Definition

1. Adjective (used predicatively):
   • Blocked; obstructed; clogged: Describes a state where passage or flow is impeded, causing a halt or severe slowdown. Commonly refers to traffic, pipes, or pathways.
   • Congested; jammed: Specifically refers to a heavy buildup that causes stagnation, most frequently used for traffic jams.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Đường phố mắc nghẽn vào giờ cao điểm. (The streets are congested during rush hour.)
  • Cống thoát nước bị mắc nghẽn vì rác. (The drainage pipe is clogged with trash.)
  • Việc sản xuất mắc nghẽn do thiếu nguyên liệu. (Production is blocked due to a lack of materials.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used in passive constructions with "bị" (to be/become) to emphasize the state of being obstructed.
  • Hệ thống máy tính bị mắc nghẽn dữ liệu. (The computer system is jammed with data.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tắc nghẽn (n/v): Congestion; to be obstructed. A very common synonym, often used interchangeably.

  • Tắc nghẽn giao thông là vấn đề lớn. (Traffic congestion is a major problem.)

• Ứ đọng (v): To stagnate, to be held up (often for fluids or abstract things like work).

  • Công việc đang bị ứ đọng. (The work is piling up/being held up.)

Synonyms

• Blocked: Prevented from moving or flowing.
• Clogged: Blocked, especially a pipe or passage.
• Congested: Overcrowded and blocked, especially with traffic.
• Jammed: Stuck and unable to move.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Mắc kẹt: To be stuck (can be physical or in a situation). While "mắc nghẽn" focuses on the blockage of flow, "mắc kẹt" focuses on the state of being trapped.
  • Xe ô tô bị mắc kẹt trong đám đông. (The car was stuck in the crowd.)