borrachos
/boh-RRAH-chohs/
drunk
Illustrating the adjective form, these two men are clearly described as borrachos (drunk).
borrachos(adjective)
drunk
?plural, masculine or mixed group
,intoxicated
?plural, masculine or mixed group
wasted
?informal, plural
📝 In Action
Todos los invitados terminaron borrachos después de la fiesta.
B1All the guests ended up drunk after the party.
Los chicos estaban tan borrachos que no podían caminar.
A2The boys were so drunk they couldn't walk.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Since this word describes a group of people, it must be plural ('-os' ending). Because it refers to males or a mixed group, it uses the masculine form.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong verb
Mistake: "Fueron borrachos (They were drunk, using SER)."
Correction: Estaban borrachos (They were drunk, using ESTAR). You always use ESTAR to talk about temporary states like being drunk.
⭐ Usage Tips
Masculine Plural for Mixed Groups
Even if there is only one man in a group of ten women, you must use 'borrachos' (the masculine plural) to describe the entire group.
As a plural noun, borrachos refers to a group of people identified as drunks.
borrachos(noun)
drunks
?plural people, masculine or mixed group
alcoholics
?less common, depends on context
📝 In Action
Los borrachos estaban armando un escándalo en la calle.
B1The drunks were causing a scene in the street.
El bar está lleno de borrachos todos los sábados.
B2The bar is full of drunks every Saturday.
💡 Grammar Points
Acting as a Noun
When used as a noun, 'borrachos' usually needs a definite article (like 'los') in front of it, just like English uses 'the drunks'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Tone Warning
Using 'los borrachos' to refer to people is usually judgmental or critical. Use it carefully in polite company.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: borrachos
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'borrachos' as an adjective?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'borrachos' and 'ebrios'?
'Borrachos' is the most common and neutral way to say 'drunk' in everyday conversation. 'Ebrios' is more formal, literary, or used in official reports (like police reports) to mean 'inebriated'.
Does 'borrachos' always mean someone is an alcoholic?
No. While it can sometimes be used that way (especially as a noun), it most often just means someone is temporarily under the influence of alcohol, not necessarily that they have a long-term addiction.