Inklingo

ebrio

EH-bree-ohˈeβɾjo

ebrio means drunk in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

drunk, intoxicated

Also: tipsy
A storybook illustration of a cheerful man stumbling awkwardly, his hat tilted, while attempting to walk down a path, showing signs of intoxication.

📝 In Action

El conductor fue detenido porque estaba ebrio.

B1

The driver was detained because he was drunk.

Después de la celebración, la gente se sentía ebria de alegría.

B2

After the celebration, people felt intoxicated with joy (figurative).

Ella no estaba ebria, solo un poco mareada.

B1

She wasn't drunk, just a little dizzy.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • borracho (drunk (more colloquial))
  • intoxicado (intoxicated)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • en estado ebrioin a state of intoxication
  • totalmente ebriocompletely drunk

drunkard

Also: intoxicated person
NounmB2
A storybook illustration showing a solitary, disheveled figure slumped asleep on a simple wooden park bench in the evening. An empty bottle rests on the ground nearby.

📝 In Action

El ebrio se durmió en la banca del parque.

B2

The drunkard fell asleep on the park bench.

Los ebrios fueron llevados a casa por sus amigos.

B2

The intoxicated people were taken home by their friends.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • borracho (drunkard (noun, colloquial))
  • alcohólico (alcoholic)

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "ebrio" in Spanish:

drunkdrunkardintoxicatedintoxicated persontipsy

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: ebrio

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses the most formal word to describe a person who drank too much?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
ebriedad(drunkenness, intoxication)Noun
embriagar(to intoxicate)Verb
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

The word comes directly from the Latin adjective *ebrius*, which meant 'drunk' or 'intoxicated.' Its meaning has remained consistent for centuries.

First recorded: Early 13th century (in Romance languages)

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: ebbroPortuguese: ébrio

💡 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

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

'Ebrio' and 'borracho' both mean 'drunk.' 'Ebrio' is generally considered more formal, serious, or literary, often used in written reports. 'Borracho' is the standard, everyday word used in casual conversation.

Can 'ebrio' be used for things other than alcohol?

Yes, 'ebrio' can be used figuratively to describe someone who is overwhelmed or 'intoxicated' by a powerful emotion, like love, joy, or power.