Italian Phrase
Le strade sono completamente bloccate.
Meaning
This sentence states that the streets are totally blocked, typically because of traffic jams, construction, protests, or a public event. It conveys a complete lack of passage rather than a partial obstruction.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to inform someone—friends, colleagues, or a customer—about a road closure or heavy blockage that prevents normal travel. It’s common in news bulletins, traffic‑alert apps, or casual conversation when describing current conditions.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lestradesonocompletamentebloccate
Le
Definite article for feminine plural nouns; agrees in gender and number with the noun that follows.
strade
Feminine plural noun meaning “streets.” In Italian, nouns ending in -e can be either masculine or feminine; here it is feminine.
sono
Third‑person plural present of the verb *essere* (to be). Used with plural subjects.
completamente
Adverb meaning “completely.” Adverbs do not change form.
bloccate
Past participle of *bloccare* (to block). It functions as an adjective and must agree in gender and number with *strade* (feminine plural).
🗨In Conversation
Le strade sono completamente bloccate a causa della manifestazione.
The streets are completely blocked because of the demonstration.
Allora prenderò il treno per arrivare al lavoro.
Then I’ll take the train to get to work.
✕Common Mistakes
Le strade sono completamente bloccato.
The adjective must agree with the feminine plural noun *strade*, so it should be *bloccate*.
Le strade sono completo bloccate.
Learners sometimes replace it with *completo* (an adjective) which would be grammatically incorrect here.
Le strade è completamente bloccate.
Using the singular verb *è* would not match the plural subject *strade*.
↔Alternatives
Le vie sono totalmente chiuse.
The roads are totally closed.
Le strade sono interamente bloccate.
The streets are entirely blocked.
Non si può passare: le strade sono bloccate.
You can’t pass: the streets are blocked.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, road closures often happen for public events such as festivals, parades, or political protests. When speaking to locals, a slightly more formal tone (using *completamente* or *totalmente*) is preferred in news‑type statements, while friends might simply say *Le strade sono bloccate*.