maníaco
“maníaco” means “manic” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
manic
Also: obsessive
📝 In Action
El paciente muestra un comportamiento maníaco hoy.
C1The patient is showing manic behavior today.
Es un maníaco de la limpieza; no puede ver ni una gota de agua.
B1He is a cleaning freak; he can't even see a drop of water.
Su risa maníaca nos puso muy nerviosos.
B2His manic laughter made us very nervous.
maniac
Also: freak
📝 In Action
Ese hombre conduce como un maníaco.
B1That man drives like a maniac.
Un maníaco entró en la tienda gritando.
B2A maniac entered the store shouting.
No seas un maníaco del control; deja que otros ayuden.
B2Don't be a control freak; let others help.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: maníaco
Question 1 of 3
What does 'un maníaco del control' mean?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Greek word 'mania' meaning madness or frenzy, which passed into Latin as 'mania' and then into Spanish.
First recorded: 18th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'maníaco' have an accent mark?
The accent mark on the 'í' tells you to emphasize that syllable. Without it, the pronunciation would change to emphasize the 'a' (ma-nia-co).
Can I use 'maníaco' for a 'fan' of a sports team?
Usually, 'fanático' is better for sports. 'Maníaco' implies a more strange or irrational behavior rather than just being a big fan.
Is 'maniaco' (without the accent) also correct?
Yes, both versions are accepted by the Royal Spanish Academy, but 'maníaco' (with the accent) is more common in Spain and formal texts.