Emperrado vs. preso vs. encravado
When describing something that is stuck, jammed, or blocked in Portuguese, the choice between emperrado, preso, and encravado depends on the nature of the blockage and the regional dialect (Brazil vs. Portugal). While preso implies being captured or held fast, emperrado suggests resistance due to friction or rust, and encravado implies being wedged or embedded, with significant usage differences in Portugal.
Emperrado
B2This word comes from perro (obstinate). It describes a mechanism that refuses to move due to friction, rust, humidity, or age. It implies that the object usually moves but is physically resisting effort. It is commonly used in both Brazil and Portugal.
A gaveta da cozinha está emperrada e não abre.
(The kitchen drawer is stuck and won't open.)
Tentei girar a maçaneta, mas ela parece emperrada.
(I tried to turn the doorknob, but it seems jammed.)
O fecho do meu casaco está emperrado de novo.
(My coat zipper is stuck again.)
Preso
A2This is the most general term, meaning caught, trapped, or held fast. It emphasizes that an object cannot be removed or pulled out. It is used universally in Brazil and Portugal for everything from keys stuck in locks to people trapped in elevators.
Minha chave ficou presa na fechadura e não consigo tirá-la.
(My key got stuck in the lock and I can't pull it out.)
O elevador ficou preso no quinto andar.
(The elevator got stuck on the fifth floor.)
Cuidado para não deixar o dedo preso na porta.
(Be careful not to get your finger caught in the door.)
Encravado
C1This word literally means nailed in or wedged deep. In Brazil, it is almost exclusively used for medical issues (like an ingrown toenail) or geography (landlocked). However, in Portugal, encravado is the standard word for mechanical jams, paper jams in printers, or firearms jamming.
A impressora parou porque tem papel encravado.
(The printer stopped because there is jammed paper.)
A porta está encravada e precisamos chamar um serralheiro.
(The door is jammed and we need to call a locksmith.)
Ele não consegue andar bem por causa da unha encravada.
(He can't walk well because of an ingrown toenail.)
Summary
Use preso when something is trapped inside something else and cannot be removed. Use emperrado when a mechanism (like a hinge, drawer, or rusty lock) resists movement due to friction or lack of lubrication. Use encravado in Brazil mostly for ingrown nails, but use it freely in Portugal to describe mechanical jams, jammed doors, or paper stuck in machines.