psicópata
/see-koh-pah-tah/
psychopath
This image illustrates a 'psicópata', or psychopath, through a character who displays a superficial facade of emotion while lacking genuine feeling.
psicópata(noun)
psychopath
?a person
sociopath
?often used interchangeably, though technically different
📝 In Action
El psicópata manipuló a todos sin mostrar remordimiento.
C1The psychopath manipulated everyone without showing remorse.
La psicópata fue identificada por su falta de empatía.
C1The female psychopath was identified by her lack of empathy.
Muchos personajes de películas de terror son psicópatas.
B2Many characters in horror movies are psychopaths.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender is Fixed
Even though this word ends in '-a', it is used for both men and women. You change the article, not the ending: 'el psicópata' (male) and 'la psicópata' (female).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Don't Change the Ending
Mistake: "Using 'psicópato' for a male."
Correction: The correct form is always 'psicópata,' regardless of the gender of the person you are describing.
⭐ Usage Tips
Specialized Context
This word is often used in a clinical or dramatic context. Use 'una persona cruel' (a cruel person) if you just mean someone who is mean or selfish.
The term 'psicópata' can also be used as an adjective, 'psychopathic,' describing a trait like manipulation or callousness, visualized here by tangled strings of deceit.
psicópata(adjective)
psychopathic
?describing a trait or action
sociopathic
?describing behavior
📝 In Action
Tenía una personalidad totalmente psicópata.
C1He had a completely psychopathic personality.
Sus acciones fueron descritas como psicópatas por el jurado.
C2His actions were described as psychopathic by the jury.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
As an adjective, 'psicópata' modifies nouns of any gender ('un acto psicópata', 'una mente psicópata'), but it only changes to plural ('psicópatas') if the noun is plural.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: psicópata
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'psicópata' to refer to a woman?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'psicópata' the same as 'sociópata'?
While they are often used interchangeably in general conversation, technically, 'psicópata' (psychopath) is generally considered to be innate (inborn), while 'sociópata' (sociopath) is thought to be learned through environmental factors and trauma.
Can I use 'psicópata' to describe a thing, not a person?
Yes, you can use it as an adjective to describe traits or actions, like 'una acción psicópata' (a psychopathic action), but it is most commonly used to label the person themselves.