borracho
/boh-RRAH-cho (The 'rr' is rolled, and 'ch' sounds like the 'ch' in 'church')/
drunk
When used as an adjective, borracho describes an intoxicated state, meaning 'drunk'.
borracho(adjective)
drunk
?intoxicated state
intoxicated
?medical/formal usage
,wasted
?informal slang
📝 In Action
Después de tres cervezas, él estaba completamente borracho.
A2After three beers, he was completely drunk.
La viuda se puso borracha en la boda de su hija.
B1The widow got drunk at her daughter's wedding. (Note: using the feminine form 'borracha')
Los chicos borrachos hicieron mucho ruido en la calle.
A2The drunk boys made a lot of noise in the street. (Note: using the plural form 'borrachos')
💡 Grammar Points
Gender and Number Agreement
Since 'borracho' is an adjective, it must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes. If you describe a woman, use 'borracha'; if you describe a group, use 'borrachos' (masculine/mixed) or 'borrachas' (feminine).
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with 'Estar'
This adjective is almost always used with the verb 'estar' (to be in a temporary state), not 'ser' (to be permanent), because being drunk is a temporary condition.
As a noun, borracho means 'drunkard'—a person who is habitually drunk.
borracho(noun)
drunkard
?person who is drunk
alcoholic
?person with a drinking problem (though 'alcohólico' is more specific)
,boozer
?informal, negative name for the person
📝 In Action
El borracho se durmió en la acera.
B1The drunkard fell asleep on the sidewalk.
Su tío siempre ha sido un borracho; no puede dejar la botella.
B2His uncle has always been a drunk; he can't put the bottle down.
💡 Grammar Points
The Noun Form
When used as a noun, 'borracho' (or 'borracha' for a woman) refers to the actual person, not just their state. It usually requires a definite article (like 'el' or 'la').
⭐ Usage Tips
Connotation Warning
Using 'borracho' as a noun is usually negative and judgmental, implying heavy or habitual drinking. Be mindful of the context.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: borracho
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the feminine plural form of 'borracho'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'borracho' rude?
As an adjective describing someone's temporary state ('He is drunk'), it is standard and neutral. However, using it as a noun ('He is a borracho') is considered quite harsh and negative, implying a severe drinking problem.