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How to Say "addict" in Spanish

English → Spanish

adicto

ah-DEEK-tohaˈðikto

nounB1general
Use 'adicto' when referring to someone who suffers from a dependency on a substance or activity, such as drugs, alcohol, or gambling.
A simplified storybook drawing of a solitary person hunched over, seemingly weighed down or surrounded by a large, dark shape, symbolizing a person struggling with dependence.

Examples

Los adictos necesitan apoyo profesional.

Addicts need professional support.

Soy un adicto a la música clásica.

I am a devotee of classical music.

The Noun Form

When 'adicto' is used as a noun, it refers directly to the person. It functions just like 'doctor' or 'teacher' and can be pluralized ('adictos').

vicioso

bee-see-OH-sobiˈθjoso

nounB2general
Use 'vicioso' to describe someone who habitually engages in a detrimental activity or vice, often implying a lack of self-control over a specific bad habit.
A person sitting on a park bench, completely focused on playing a handheld video game while ignoring a beautiful sunset.

Examples

Ese hombre es un vicioso; se pasa todo el día en el casino.

That man is an addict; he spends all day at the casino.

No escuches a ese vicioso, solo quiere tu dinero para beber.

Don't listen to that degenerate; he just wants your money for drinking.

¡Qué vicioso eres con el dulce!

You're such a sugar addict!

Using 'Un' or 'Una'

To turn the adjective into a noun, just put 'un' (for a man) or 'una' (for a woman) before it.

Careful with Tone

Mistake: “Calling someone a 'vicioso' casually.”

Correction: Be careful! Unless you are joking with close friends about a hobby, calling someone a 'vicioso' can be a serious insult regarding their character.

Adicto vs. Vicioso

Learners often use 'vicioso' for any kind of addiction. Remember that 'adicto' is broader and covers dependencies like drug or alcohol addiction, while 'vicioso' is more specific to strong, habitual vices or bad habits.

Related Translations

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