Meaning and Usage
"渋滞" (じゅうたい) primarily refers to traffic congestion or delays, especially on roads or highways. It is commonly used in everyday conversation when discussing traffic conditions.
Common Contexts
You will often hear "渋滞" when talking about rush hour, accidents causing delays, or planning trips to avoid heavy traffic. It can also be used metaphorically for any kind of blockage or delay, but this is less common.
Collocations and Patterns
- 渋滞がひどい: severe congestion
- 渋滞に巻き込まれる: to get caught in a traffic jam
- 渋滞を避ける: to avoid congestion
- 交通渋滞: traffic congestion (more formal)
Register and Nuance
"渋滞" is a neutral term suitable for both casual and formal situations. It is often used in news reports, daily conversations, and traffic announcements.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "渋滞" with "混雑" (こんざつ), which also means congestion but is more often used for crowds or places rather than traffic. Remember, "渋滞" is specifically for traffic or movement delays.