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How to Say "compulsive" in Spanish

English → Spanish

obsesivo

/ob-se-SEE-bo//obseˈsiβo/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'obsesivo' when referring to someone who has an excessive need for order, routine, or performing actions repeatedly.
A person's hands using a straight edge to perfectly align a long row of colorful pencils on a desk.

Examples

Él es muy obsesivo con el orden de su escritorio.

He is very obsessive about the order of his desk.

Tiene un comportamiento obsesivo que le impide relajarse.

He has an obsessive behavior that prevents him from relaxing.

Sus pensamientos obsesivos no la dejan dormir bien.

Her obsessive thoughts don't let her sleep well.

Adjective Agreement

Since this word ends in -o, you must change it to 'obsesiva' if you are describing a girl or a feminine thing, and add an -s for plurals.

Using with 'Ser' vs 'Estar'

Use 'ser' if being obsessive is a permanent personality trait. Use 'estar' (usually as 'obsesionado') if it is just a temporary feeling about one specific thing.

Obsesivo vs. Obsesionado

Mistake: “Estoy muy obsesivo con este libro.”

Correction: Estoy muy obsesionado con este libro.

patológico

adjectiveB2general
Use 'patológico' to describe a behavior that is extreme, uncontrollable, and often considered unhealthy or beyond normal limits.

Examples

Su adicción al juego se ha vuelto patológica.

His gambling addiction has become pathological.

Obsesivo vs. Patológico

Learners often confuse 'obsesivo' and 'patológico'. Remember that 'obsesivo' usually implies a strong preference for order or repetition, while 'patológico' suggests a more serious, unhealthy, and uncontrollable condition. Don't use 'patológico' for simple preferences or habits.

Related Translations

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