French Phrase
Les routes sont complètement bloquées.
Meaning
The sentence states that all the roads are totally obstructed, leaving no passage. It conveys a strong sense of blockage, often due to accidents, protests, construction, or severe weather. The adverb 'complètement' intensifies the blockage, implying that there is no way through at all.
When to use
Use this phrase in traffic reports, when calling emergency services, or when informing friends that you cannot travel because the streets are impassable. It is also handy when asking for alternative routes or when describing a citywide disruption.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lesroutessontcomplètementbloquées
Les (definite article)
Plural definite article used before feminine nouns like 'routes'.
routes (noun)
Feminine plural noun meaning 'roads' or 'streets'.
sont (être)
Third‑person plural present of the verb 'être' (to be).
complètement (adverb)
Adverb meaning 'completely', modifies the adjective that follows.
bloquées (participle adjective)
Past participle of 'bloquer' used as an adjective; it agrees in gender and number with 'routes' (feminine plural).
🗨In Conversation
Les routes sont complètement bloquées à cause de la grève des routiers.
The roads are completely blocked because of the truckers' strike.
Tu peux prendre le train alors, il n’y a pas d’alternative en voiture.
You can take the train then; there’s no alternative by car.
✕Common Mistakes
Les routes sont complètement bloqué.
The adjective must agree with the feminine plural noun 'routes', so it should be 'bloquées'.
Les routes sont complète bloquées.
'Complète' is an adjective; the correct adverb is 'complètement'.
Les routes sont bloquées complètement.
While understandable, the natural order in French places the adverb before the adjective: 'complètement bloquées'.
↔Alternatives
Les voies sont totalement obstruées.
The lanes are totally obstructed.
Toutes les routes sont fermées.
All the roads are closed.
Il n’y a aucun passage, les routes sont bloquées.
There is no passage; the roads are blocked.
Cultural Tip
In France, road closures are often announced on the radio, via the 'Bison Futé' website, or on highway signs (panneaux de signalisation). When you hear 'les routes sont bloquées', expect heavy traffic, possible detours, and sometimes a police presence. In informal speech, people may also say 'c’est bouché' (it's jammed) for less severe congestion.