manicomio
“manicomio” means “mental asylum” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
mental asylum
Also: psychiatric hospital
📝 In Action
El antiguo manicomio de la ciudad ahora es un centro cultural.
B1The city's old mental asylum is now a cultural center.
madhouse
Also: bedlam
📝 In Action
¡Esta oficina es un manicomio los lunes por la mañana!
B2This office is a madhouse on Monday mornings!
Con cinco niños gritando, la casa era un manicomio.
B2With five kids screaming, the house was a madhouse.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: manicomio
Question 1 of 1
If your coworker says, '¡La tienda es un manicomio!', what are they complaining about?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Greek words 'mania' (madness) and 'komeion' (to take care of or a place for), effectively meaning a 'place where madness is cared for.'
First recorded: 19th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'manicomio' considered offensive today?
When referring to a real hospital, it is considered outdated and somewhat stigmatizing. In modern clinical settings, 'hospital psiquiátrico' is the polite and correct term. However, using it figuratively to mean 'a chaotic place' is very common and usually not seen as offensive.
Is there a feminine version like 'manicomia'?
No. The word is always 'el manicomio,' regardless of who is in the place or who is talking.