ट्रैफ़िक ज़्यादा है

You use this phrase just like you would in English. Place it at the end of a sentence to explain a delay. You can use it as a standalone sentence when someone calls you. It is very flexible. You do not need to change the words for gender or number. Just say it as it is. It works for cars, bikes, or even crowded walking paths.

Use it when you are stuck in a rickshaw in Delhi. Use it when you are texting a friend that you will be late. It is perfect for professional meetings to explain your arrival time. If you are looking out of a window at a busy street, you can say it to yourself. It is the universal language of urban India. Everyone understands the pain of a long commute.

Do not use this if the road is just busy but moving. If there are only a few cars, it sounds like an exaggeration. Avoid using it if you are late because you woke up late. People might see through the excuse! Also, do not use it for a crowd of people at a party. For people, use the word भीड़ (bheed) instead.

In major Indian cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, or Delhi, traffic is a lifestyle. It is not just a road condition; it is a conversation starter. Complaining about traffic is a way to bond with strangers. It is the most accepted excuse for being late to anything. In India, 'five minutes' often means twenty because of the traffic. This phrase is the heartbeat of the city's chaotic energy.

You can add बहुत (bahut) to say ट्रैफ़िक बहुत ज़्यादा है for extreme jams. If you want to sound more casual, just say बहुत ट्रैफ़िक है. Some people use the English word 'jam' and say ट्रैफ़िक जाम है. In formal Hindi, you might hear यातायात (yaataayaat) for traffic, but nobody says that in daily life. Stick to ट्रैफ़िक to sound natural and modern.