Words in context
Read the definitions and examples. Say each word aloud, then try to recall its meaning before looking at the translation. Save the words you want to revisit.
B2 · Pre-advanced15 min
Cars, roads and traffic
Learn 5 words for thematic vocabulary: congestion, overtake, roundabout, breakdown, pedestrian crossing.
congestion /kənˈdʒestʃən/
дорожні затори, korki, Staus, atascos de tráfico, embouteillages, ingorghi, engarrafamentos, trafik sıkışıklığı, الاختناقات المرورية, 交通堵塞, 交通渋滞, 교통 체증, ट्रैफिक जाम, κυκλοφοριακή συμφόρηση, traffic jams, blocajele de trafic, verkeersopstoppingen, trafikstockningar, פקקים, საცობები
A situation in which roads are too full of vehicles.
“Rush-hour congestion makes the journey twice as long.”
overtake /ˌəʊvəˈteɪk/
обігнати, wyprzedzić, überholen, adelantar, dépasser, sorpassare, ultrapassar, sollamak, تجاوز, 超越, 追い越す, 추월하다, आगे निकलना, προσπεράσω, předběhnout, depăşi, inhalen, köra om, לעקוף, გასწრება
To pass a vehicle travelling in the same direction.
“Wait until the road is clear before you overtake the lorry.”
roundabout /ˈraʊndəbaʊt/
кільцева розв'язка, rondo, Kreisverkehr, rotonda, rond point, rotonda, rotunda, döner kavşak, دوار, 环岛, ラウンドアバウト, 로터리, गोल चक्कर, κυκλικός κόμβος, roundabout, sens giratoriu, rotonde, rondellen, כיכר, შემოვლითი გზა
A circular road junction where traffic moves around a central island.
“Take the second exit at the roundabout.”
breakdown /ˈbreɪkdaʊn/
поломка, załamanie, Zusammenbruch, ruptura, panne, rottura, colapso, arıza, انهيار, 故障, 内訳, 고장, टूटना, βλάβη, zhroucení, defalcare, afbraak, sammanbrott, התמוטטות, ავარია
A mechanical failure that stops a vehicle working.
“A breakdown left us stranded on the motorway.”
pedestrian crossing /pəˌdestriən ˈkrɒsɪŋ/
пішохідний перехід, przejście dla pieszych, Fußgängerüberweg, cruce de peatones, passage piéton, attraversamento pedonale, passagem para pedestres, yaya geçidi, معبر المشاة, 人行横道, 横断歩道, 횡단보도, पैदल यात्री पारगमन, διάβαση πεζών, pedestrian crossing, trecere de pietoni, voetgangersoversteekplaats, övergångsställe, מעבר חצייה להולכי רגל, საცალფეხო გადასასვლელი
A marked place where people can cross a road.
“Drivers must watch for people at the pedestrian crossing.”
Your progress
Ready to move on?
Mark this lesson as studied when you have finished the explanation.
Let's practice
Try it yourself
Your answers and place are saved on this device.
Exercise completed!
0 / 5 correct · 0%
Practice my mistakesBack to my daily planReview answers & explanations
Choose the word: A situation in which roads are too full of vehicles.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: congestion
congestion: A situation in which roads are too full of vehicles. Example: Rush-hour congestion makes the journey twice as long.
Choose the word: To pass a vehicle travelling in the same direction.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: overtake
overtake: To pass a vehicle travelling in the same direction. Example: Wait until the road is clear before you overtake the lorry.
Choose the word: A circular road junction where traffic moves around a central island.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: roundabout
roundabout: A circular road junction where traffic moves around a central island. Example: Take the second exit at the roundabout.
Choose the word: A mechanical failure that stops a vehicle working.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: breakdown
breakdown: A mechanical failure that stops a vehicle working. Example: A breakdown left us stranded on the motorway.
Choose the word: A marked place where people can cross a road.
Your answer: Unanswered
Correct answer: pedestrian crossing
pedestrian crossing: A marked place where people can cross a road. Example: Drivers must watch for people at the pedestrian crossing.
Question 1 of 50% complete
Choose the word: A situation in which roads are too full of vehicles.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: congestion
congestion: A situation in which roads are too full of vehicles. Example: Rush-hour congestion makes the journey twice as long.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: overtake
overtake: To pass a vehicle travelling in the same direction. Example: Wait until the road is clear before you overtake the lorry.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: roundabout
roundabout: A circular road junction where traffic moves around a central island. Example: Take the second exit at the roundabout.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: breakdown
breakdown: A mechanical failure that stops a vehicle working. Example: A breakdown left us stranded on the motorway.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: pedestrian crossing
pedestrian crossing: A marked place where people can cross a road. Example: Drivers must watch for people at the pedestrian crossing.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: congestion
congestion: A situation in which roads are too full of vehicles. Example: Rush-hour congestion makes the journey twice as long.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: overtake
overtake: To pass a vehicle travelling in the same direction. Example: Wait until the road is clear before you overtake the lorry.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: roundabout
roundabout: A circular road junction where traffic moves around a central island. Example: Take the second exit at the roundabout.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: breakdown
breakdown: A mechanical failure that stops a vehicle working. Example: A breakdown left us stranded on the motorway.
Not quite. Keep learning.
Correct answer: pedestrian crossing
pedestrian crossing: A marked place where people can cross a road. Example: Drivers must watch for people at the pedestrian crossing.
Keep learning
Choose your next small step
Continue this topic or practice every English skill at the same level.
Next in this series
Health and sickness
15 min · Thematic vocabulary
Grammar · B2
Narrative tenses / used to / would
15 min · Past
Listening · B2
The research briefing
10 min · Monologue
Reading · B2
The four-day question
10 min · Opinion essay
Use of English · B2
Language in context
15 min · Mixed practice
Writing · B2
A formal proposal
10 min · Writing
Can't find the English topic you need? Request a lesson or test.