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colgado

/kol-GAH-doh/

hanging

A ripe red apple hanging by its stem from a thin branch against a blue sky.

The apple is colgado (hanging) from the tree.

colgado(adjective)

mB1

hanging

?

physically suspended

,

suspended

?

held up in the air

Also:

dangling

?

loose or swinging

📝 In Action

Dejó el cuadro colgado en la pared del salón.

A2

He left the picture hanging on the living room wall.

Ten cuidado, ese cable está colgado y podría caerse.

B1

Be careful, that wire is hanging loose and could fall.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • quedarse colgado – to be left hanging (literally or figuratively)

💡 Grammar Points

Agreement with Ser/Estar

When used as an adjective, 'colgado' must match the noun in gender (o/a) and number (s/es). It is almost always used with 'estar' because it describes a temporary state (being hung).

⭐ Usage Tips

Use with Estar

Remember to use the verb 'estar' (to be in a state or location) with 'colgado' to describe where something is positioned.

A stylized, simple computer monitor displaying a static, glitching geometric pattern, indicating the system is frozen.

When a computer system is colgado, it is frozen and unresponsive.

colgado(adjective)

mB2

frozen

?

computer/system

,

crashed

?

software failure

Also:

stuck

?

unable to move forward

📝 In Action

La aplicación se quedó colgada justo cuando iba a guardar mi trabajo.

B2

The application froze just when I was about to save my work.

Cuando la pantalla se pone colgada, tienes que reiniciar el equipo.

B2

When the screen gets stuck/frozen, you have to restart the equipment.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • bloqueado (blocked)
  • paralizado (paralyzed)

💡 Grammar Points

The 'Stuck' Feeling

This meaning comes from the idea of being physically suspended and unable to move. It is almost always used with the verb 'quedarse' (to remain/become) to describe the process of getting stuck: 'se quedó colgado'.

A cheerful figure tightly embracing an oversized ball of brightly colored purple yarn, showing intense focus and obsession.

Being colgado means being completely hooked or obsessed with a hobby.

colgado(adjective)

mC1

hooked

?

obsessed with a hobby or person

,

spaced out

?

distracted or absent-minded (Spain)

Also:

addicted

?

strongly attached to something

,

in love

?

infatuated (Spain)

📝 In Action

Mi hermana está colgada del gimnasio, va cinco veces a la semana.

C1

My sister is hooked on the gym; she goes five times a week.

(Spain) Él siempre está colgado; nunca escucha lo que le dices.

C1

(Spain) He is always spaced out; he never listens to what you tell him.

(Spain) Parece que Juan está colgado de María.

C2

(Spain) It looks like Juan is crazy about María (in love with her).

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • enganchado (hooked)
  • distraído (distracted)

Common Collocations

  • estar colgado de algo – to be hooked on something

💡 Grammar Points

Required Preposition

When 'colgado' means 'hooked' or 'in love,' it must be followed by the preposition 'de' (of/on) to introduce the object of the obsession.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Regional Meaning

Mistake: "Using 'estar colgado' to mean 'hooked' in a region where it only means 'distracted' or 'in love'."

Correction: In many parts of Latin America, 'enganchado' is the safer, more neutral term for 'hooked' on a hobby or show.

A simple, empty wooden picture frame securely mounted high on a brightly colored wall.

As a past participle, colgado translates to 'hung' when used in perfect tenses, such as 'he has hung the frame.'

colgado(past participle)

A2

hung

?

used with 'haber' (to have) to form perfect tenses

Also:

posted

?

used with 'haber' for online content

📝 In Action

Ya hemos colgado las luces de Navidad.

A2

We have already hung the Christmas lights.

El director ha colgado un aviso en la puerta.

B1

The director has posted a notice on the door.

💡 Grammar Points

Forming Perfect Tenses

'Colgado' is the 'action' part used with the helping verb 'haber' (to have) to describe actions completed in the past, like 'He colgado' (I have hung).

Past Participle Rule

Unlike when it acts as an adjective, when 'colgado' is used with 'haber' to form a compound tense, it never changes its ending (it always stays 'colgado').

❌ Common Pitfalls

Changing the Ending with Haber

Mistake: "Using 'Hemos colgadas las luces.'"

Correction: The correct form is 'Hemos colgado las luces.' The past participle only changes its ending when used as an adjective with 'ser' or 'estar'.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: colgado

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'colgado' in the sense of being obsessed or hooked?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

colgar(to hang) - verb
la colgadura(hanging (decoration)) - noun
el colgante(pendant/hanging ornament) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'colgado' the same as 'colgada'?

Yes, they are the masculine and feminine forms of the adjective. You must use 'colgada' if the noun you are describing is feminine (e.g., 'la lámpara está colgada').

How do I know if 'colgado' means 'hung' or 'frozen'?

The context is key. If you are talking about a physical object (like clothes or a picture), it means 'hung.' If you are talking about a device (like a phone or app), it means 'frozen' or 'crashed.'