Inklingo

How to Say "catchy" in Spanish

English → Spanish

contagioso

/kon-ta-HYOH-soh//kontaˈxjoso/

adjectiveB1general
Use this word when referring to something that spreads easily from person to person, like a tune that gets stuck in your head or a feeling.
A group of friends sitting together, all laughing joyfully with wide smiles.

Examples

Esa melodía es muy contagiosa, no puedo dejar de cantarla.

That melody is very catchy, I can't stop singing it.

Su risa es muy contagiosa.

Her laughter is very catchy.

Tienen un entusiasmo contagioso por el proyecto.

They have a contagious enthusiasm for the project.

El bostezo es contagioso; si tú bostezas, yo también.

Yawning is contagious; if you yawn, I do too.

Describing Feelings

When used for feelings, this word usually stays with 'ser' because you are describing the quality of that feeling.

Forgetting the 'g'

Mistake: “contadioso”

Correction: It is spelled with a 'g' (contagioso), coming from the word 'contagio'.

pegajoso

peh-gah-HOH-soh/pe.ɣa.ˈxo.so/

adjectiveA2general
Use this word specifically for music or advertising that is memorable and difficult to forget, often implying it's a bit annoying but effective.
A slice of bread with a thick layer of golden honey dripping off the side.

Examples

Ponen esa canción pegajosa todo el tiempo en la radio.

They play that catchy song all the time on the radio.

El suelo de la cocina está pegajoso.

The kitchen floor is sticky.

Esa canción es muy pegajosa, no puedo dejar de tararearla.

That song is very catchy, I can't stop humming it.

Hace un calor pegajoso hoy por la humedad.

It's a muggy/sticky heat today because of the humidity.

Matching Gender

The word changes its ending to 'pegajosa' when describing feminine words like 'canción' (song) or 'miel' (honey).

Describing Sensations

Use this word with 'estar' to describe how something feels right now (like a spill) and 'ser' for something that is naturally sticky (like glue).

Using it for Tape

Mistake: “Dame el pegajoso.”

Correction: Dame la cinta adhesiva. 'Pegajoso' describes the feeling, not the object itself.

Contagioso vs. Pegajoso for Music

The most common mistake is using 'contagioso' for music. While music can be 'contagioso' in the sense of spreading, 'pegajoso' is the more direct and common term for a song that gets stuck in your head, similar to how 'sticky' can describe a catchy tune in English.

Related Translations

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