How to Say "addicted" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “addicted” is “adicto” — use 'adicto' when referring to a genuine dependence or habitual craving, especially for substances but also for activities..
adicto
ah-DEEK-toh/aˈðikto/
Examples
Mi hermano es adicto a los videojuegos.
My brother is addicted to video games.
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).
colgado
/kol-GAH-doh//kolˈɡaðo/
Examples
Ella está colgada de las películas de terror.
She is hooked on horror movies.
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. Colgado
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