tropezado

Tropezado is a Spanish term that serves as the past participle of the verb tropezar (to stumble, trip). In standard usage, it functions as an adjective meaning having stumbled or having been obstructed, and can describe a person who has tripped, a surface that causes stumbling, or a plan that has been derailed by a setback. The word can also appear in figurative language to indicate difficulties or interruptions in progress.

Morphology and usage notes: The masculine singular form is tropezado; feminine singular tropezada; masculine plural tropezados; feminine plural tropezadas. As an adjective, tropezado agrees with the noun it modifies. It is most commonly found in narrative and descriptive writing, as well as in everyday speech, to convey a momentary lapse, a rough or irregular surface, or a sequence of events marked by obstacles.

Etymology and semantic range: Tropezado derives directly from tropezar, which means to stumble or to run into something unexpectedly. Its semantic field centers on disruption, misstep, and impediment, with both literal and metaphorical applications. While not a fixed technical term, it appears across various Spanish-speaking regions with the core sense of having encountered a stumble.

See also: Tropezar, which provides the verb form and additional related uses.

Note: Tropezado is primarily an adjective and is less common as a standalone noun. In regional varieties, there may be stylistic or idiomatic nuances in how it is employed to describe physical or figurative hindrances.