Inklingo
← Dictionary

alcohólico

al-ko-OH-lee-ko/al'ko.li.ko/

“alcohólico” means “alcoholic” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

alcoholic

Also: spirituous
A glass of sparkling golden liquid with bubbles and a slice of lime on the rim.

📝 In Action

No bebo bebidas alcohólicas.

A1

I don't drink alcoholic beverages.

La cerveza tiene un bajo grado alcohólico.

B1

The beer has a low alcohol content.

Usa un gel alcohólico para desinfectar tus manos.

B2

Use an alcohol gel to disinfect your hands.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • espirituoso (spirituous/alcoholic)

Antonyms

  • analcohólico (non-alcoholic)
  • sin alcohol (alcohol-free)

Common Collocations

  • bebida alcohólica – alcoholic beverage
  • grado alcohólico – alcohol content/proof
  • coma alcohólico – alcohol-induced coma

alcoholic

NounmB1
A person sitting on a park bench looking sad and holding an empty glass.

📝 In Action

Él es un alcohólico en recuperación.

B1

He is a recovering alcoholic.

Mi tío va a reuniones para alcohólicos.

B2

My uncle goes to meetings for alcoholics.

Es difícil ayudar a un alcohólico que no quiere cambiar.

C1

It is difficult to help an alcoholic who doesn't want to change.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • dipsómano (dipsomaniac (very formal))

Antonyms

  • abstemio (teetotaler (someone who never drinks))

Common Collocations

  • Alcohólicos Anónimos – Alcoholics Anonymous
  • alcohólico rehabilitado – recovering alcoholic

Idioms & Expressions

  • beber como un cosaco – To drink excessively

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "alcohólico" in Spanish:

spirituous→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: alcohólico

Question 1 of 3

How would you say 'alcoholic beverages' in Spanish?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
alcohol(alcohol) — Noun
alcoholismo(alcoholism) — Noun
alcoholizar(to alcoholize / to become an alcoholic) — Verb
alcoholímetro(breathalyzer) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
católicomelancólicosimbólico
📚 Etymology▼

From the Spanish word 'alcohol', which comes from the Arabic 'al-kuhl' (originally referring to a fine antimony powder used as eyeliner). Over centuries, the term evolved in Europe to mean any 'purified' or 'distilled' substance, eventually specifically referring to spirits.

First recorded: 19th century (in its modern chemical/medical sense)

Cognates (Related words)

English: alcoholicFrench: alcooliqueItalian: alcolico

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'alcohólico' always have an accent mark?

Yes. In Spanish, words that are stressed on the third-to-last syllable (called 'esdrújulas') always require a written accent mark.

What is the difference between 'alcohólico' and 'borracho'?

'Alcohólico' refers to someone with a clinical addiction or a substance containing alcohol. 'Borracho' simply describes someone who is intoxicated at the moment.

Can I use 'alcohólico' to describe a person as an adjective?

Yes. You can say 'un hombre alcohólico' (an alcoholic man) just as easily as using it as a noun 'un alcohólico' (an alcoholic).