Inklingo

How to Say "captivated" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “captivated” is “atrapada” — use 'atrapada' (feminine form) or 'atrapado' (masculine form) when you are mentally engrossed or completely hooked on something, like a story, a game, or a task.

English → Spanish

atrapada

ah-trah-PAH-daha.tɾaˈpa.ða

adjectiveB1informal
Use 'atrapada' (feminine form) or 'atrapado' (masculine form) when you are mentally engrossed or completely hooked on something, like a story, a game, or a task.
A cartoon rabbit sitting on a couch, completely absorbed and fixated on the brightly glowing screen of a television set.

Examples

La película me tuvo atrapado desde el principio hasta el final.

The movie had me captivated from beginning to end.

Estoy completamente atrapada por la trama de esta novela.

I am completely hooked on the plot of this novel.

Se siente atrapada en un amor no correspondido.

She feels trapped in an unrequited love.

Emotional States

This meaning describes how a person feels about an external stimulus (a book, a movie, a person). It always describes a state, so use 'estar' (e.g., 'estar atrapada').

atrapó

ah-tra-POHa.tɾaˈpo

verbB1informal
Use the preterite form 'atrapó' of the verb 'atrapar' when something or someone caused you to become very interested or hooked, emphasizing the moment of engagement.
A person sitting on a bench, leaning forward with wide eyes, completely absorbed in a colorful book.

Examples

Ese misterio me atrapó y no pude dejar de leer hasta resolverlo.

That mystery captivated me and I couldn't stop reading until I solved it.

Ese libro me atrapó desde la primera página.

That book hooked me from the first page.

Su carisma atrapó a toda la audiencia.

His charisma captivated the whole audience.

Metaphorical Catching

Just like in English, words for 'catching' can describe your interest being grabbed by something interesting.

rendido

ren-DEE-dohrenˈdi.ðo

adjectiveC1formal
Use 'rendido' (masculine form) or 'rendida' (feminine form) when you are completely charmed, devoted, or have surrendered to the admiration of a person or their work.
A loyal dog sitting at the feet of its owner, looking up with big, loving eyes.

Examples

Soy un admirador rendido de su estilo de escritura.

I am a captivated admirer of her writing style.

Es un rendido admirador de su obra.

He is a devoted admirer of her work.

Cayó rendido a sus pies.

He fell head over heels (captivated) at her feet.

Figurative Use

This meaning is a metaphor: you are so 'defeated' by love or admiration that you have no choice but to follow the person.

Engrossed vs. Charmed

Learners often confuse 'atrapado/a' with 'rendido/a'. Remember that 'atrapado/a' is used for being mentally absorbed by something, while 'rendido/a' implies being charmed or devoted to a person or their work.

Related Translations

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