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borracho

boh-RRAH-cho (The 'rr' is rolled, and 'ch' sounds like the 'ch' in 'church')/boˈra.tʃo/

“borracho” means “drunk” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

drunk

Also: intoxicated, wasted
Mexico
A cartoon illustration of a dizzy man stumbling and swaying heavily while walking on a road.

📝 In Action

Después de tres cervezas, él estaba completamente borracho.

A2

After three beers, he was completely drunk.

La viuda se puso borracha en la boda de su hija.

B1

The widow got drunk at her daughter's wedding. (Note: using the feminine form 'borracha')

Los chicos borrachos hicieron mucho ruido en la calle.

A2

The drunk boys made a lot of noise in the street. (Note: using the plural form 'borrachos')

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • ebrio (intoxicated (more formal))
  • achispado (tipsy / slightly drunk)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • ponerse borracho – to get drunk

drunkard

Also: alcoholic, boozer
NounmB1informal
An illustration of a solitary, disheveled man sitting slumped on a park bench looking downtrodden.

📝 In Action

El borracho se durmió en la acera.

B1

The drunkard fell asleep on the sidewalk.

Su tío siempre ha sido un borracho; no puede dejar la botella.

B2

His uncle has always been a drunk; he can't put the bottle down.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • alcohólico (alcoholic (person, medical term))

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "borracho" in Spanish:

alcoholic→boozer→drunk→drunkard→intoxicated→wasted→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: borracho

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses the feminine plural form of 'borracho'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
borrachera(drunkenness / a drinking spree) — Noun
emborracharse(to get drunk (verb)) — Verb
borrachería(bar / liquor store (regional)) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The exact origin is debated, but it is likely related to the old Spanish word *borra*, which referred to the lees or sediment left at the bottom of a wine barrel. It evolved to mean someone 'full' of the dregs of wine.

First recorded: Medieval Spanish (approx. 15th century)

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: bêbadoCatalan: borratxo

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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.