adicto
/ah-DEEK-toh/
addicted
This image illustrates the state of being addicted.
adicto(adjective)
addicted
?substance dependence
devoted
?intense hobby or activity
,hooked
?informal
📝 In Action
Es adicto al café por las mañanas.
B1He is addicted to coffee in the mornings.
Mi hermana es adicta a las series de televisión coreanas.
B1My sister is hooked on Korean TV series.
Parece que somos adictos a la tecnología.
B2It seems we are addicted to technology.
💡 Grammar Points
The Essential 'a'
When 'adicto' describes what someone is hooked on, it must always be followed by the preposition 'a' (to). This is a set pattern, like 'aficionado a' or 'alérgico a'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Gender Match
Mistake: "Using 'adicto' when talking about a woman, like 'Ella es adicto'."
Correction: Remember to match the ending to the person you are describing: 'Ella es adicta' (feminine).
⭐ Usage Tips
More Than Just Substances
You can use 'adicto' for anything someone loves doing too much: playing video games, watching movies, or shopping. It often means 'hooked' in a lighthearted way.
This image depicts a person who is an addict.
📝 In Action
Los adictos necesitan apoyo profesional.
B2Addicts need professional support.
Soy un adicto a la música clásica.
B1I am a devotee of classical music.
💡 Grammar Points
The Noun Form
When 'adicto' is used as a noun, it refers directly to the person. It functions just like 'doctor' or 'teacher' and can be pluralized ('adictos').
⭐ Usage Tips
Context and Tone
In formal or clinical settings, using the adjective form and saying 'persona con adicción' (person with addiction) is sometimes preferred, as the noun 'adicto' can carry a strong, negative weight.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: adicto
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'adicto' as an adjective?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'adicto' always refer to drugs or alcohol?
No. While it is often used in that context, 'adicto' simply means someone is extremely devoted to or dependent on something. You can be 'adicto al chocolate' (addicted to chocolate) or 'adicto al ejercicio' (addicted to exercise).
How do I make 'adicto' feminine?
Since 'adicto' ends in -o, you simply change the -o to an -a: 'adicta'. This applies whether you are using it as a noun (a female addict) or an adjective (she is addicted).