How to Say "addicted" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “addicted” is “adicto” — use 'adicto' when referring to a formal dependence on a substance, like drugs or alcohol, or a strong, often negative, habit.
adicto
ah-DEEK-tohaˈðikto
Examples
Es adicto al café por las mañanas.
He is addicted to coffee in the mornings.
Mi hermana es adicta a las series de televisión coreanas.
My sister is hooked on Korean TV series.
Parece que somos adictos a la tecnología.
It seems we are addicted to technology.
The Essential 'a'
When 'adicto' describes what someone is hooked on, it must always be followed by the preposition 'a' (to). This is a set pattern, like 'aficionado a' or 'alérgico a'.
Forgetting the Gender Match
Mistake: “Using 'adicto' when talking about a woman, like 'Ella es adicto'.”
Correction: Remember to match the ending to the person you are describing: 'Ella es adicta' (feminine).
enganchado
en-gan-CHA-doeŋɡanˈtʃaðo
Examples
Estoy totalmente enganchado a esta nueva serie de Netflix.
I'm totally hooked on this new Netflix series.
Muchos jóvenes están enganchados a los videojuegos.
Many young people are addicted to video games.
Una vez que empiezas a correr, te quedas enganchado.
Once you start running, you get hooked.
Using the right 'to be'
Always use 'estar' (to be) with this word, because being 'hooked' is seen as a state or a feeling, not a permanent personality trait.
The 'A' Connection
When you are hooked on something, you must use the word 'a' right after 'enganchado' to point to the thing you like.
Don't use 'con'
Mistake: “Estoy enganchado con la música.”
Correction: Say 'Estoy enganchado a la música.' While some regions use 'con', 'a' is the standard way to connect the obsession to the object.
vicioso
bee-see-OH-sobiˈθjoso
Examples
No es bueno ser vicioso con el juego; puedes perder mucho dinero.
It's not good to be addicted to gambling; you can lose a lot of money.
Mi hermano es un poco vicioso de los videojuegos.
My brother is a bit hooked on video games.
Lleva una vida viciosa y no cuida su salud.
He leads a lifestyle of vice and doesn't take care of his health.
Describing People vs. Things
When describing a person, it means they have a bad habit. When describing a situation (like a 'círculo'), it means it is a recurring problem that is hard to break.
Ending changes
Remember to change the ending to 'viciosa' if you are talking about a woman or a feminine object.
The 'Vicious Dog' Error
Mistake: “Using 'perro vicioso' to mean a 'vicious/aggressive dog'.”
Correction: Say 'perro agresivo' or 'perro bravo'. In Spanish, 'vicioso' means the dog has bad habits, not that it is violent.
colgado
kol-GAH-dohkolˈɡaðo
Examples
Mi hermana está colgada del gimnasio, va cinco veces a la semana.
My sister is hooked on the gym; she goes five times a week.
(Spain) Él siempre está colgado; nunca escucha lo que le dices.
(Spain) He is always spaced out; he never listens to what you tell him.
(Spain) Parece que Juan está colgado de María.
(Spain) It looks like Juan is crazy about María (in love with her).
Required Preposition
When 'colgado' means 'hooked' or 'in love,' it must be followed by the preposition 'de' (of/on) to introduce the object of the obsession.
Confusing Regional Meaning
Mistake: “Using 'estar colgado' to mean 'hooked' in a region where it only means 'distracted' or 'in love'.”
Correction: In many parts of Latin America, 'enganchado' is the safer, more neutral term for 'hooked' on a hobby or show.
Adicto vs. Enganchado
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