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How to Say "crushing" in Spanish

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abrumador

ah-broo-mah-DORa.βɾu.ma.ˈðoɾ

adjectiveB2general
Use 'abrumador' when referring to something overwhelmingly large or intense, like a quantity of work, a defeat, or evidence.
A small character standing at the base of a massive, towering mountain of colorful boxes that looms over them.

Examples

Tengo una cantidad abrumadora de trabajo esta semana.

I have an overwhelming amount of work this week.

El calor en la ciudad era abrumador.

The heat in the city was stifling.

Ganaron las elecciones con una mayoría abrumadora.

They won the elections with an overwhelming majority.

Adding an 'a' for feminine

Even though many adjectives ending in a consonant don't change, this one does! Use 'abrumador' for masculine things and 'abrumadora' for feminine things.

Placement after the noun

This word almost always comes after the thing it is describing (e.g., 'un peso abrumador').

Don't say 'abrumante'

Mistake: “El trabajo es abrumante.”

Correction: El trabajo es abrumador.

devastador

deh-bahs-tah-DORdeβastaˈðoɾ

adjectiveC1general
Choose 'devastador' for something that causes great destruction, shock, or severe negative impact, such as news or a critique.
A person sitting on a park bench looking very sad with their head in their hands.

Examples

Recibió una noticia devastadora sobre su salud.

She received devastating news about her health.

El crítico escribió una reseña devastadora de la película.

The critic wrote a devastating review of the movie.

Fue una derrota devastadora para el equipo.

It was a crushing defeat for the team.

Describing Feelings vs. Causes

Remember, 'devastador' describes the news or the event, not the person who is sad.

Don't use with 'estar' for people

Mistake: “Ella está devastadora.”

Correction: Ella está devastada. Saying 'está devastadora' would imply she is currently destroying things around her!

pillado

pee-YAH-dohpiˈʎa.ðo

adjectiveC1informal
Use 'pillado' specifically to describe the feeling of having a strong, often sudden, romantic infatuation or 'crush' on someone.
A young character with wide eyes and a dazed, dreamy expression, surrounded by three large, floating pink hearts, symbolizing being deeply attracted.

Examples

Creo que estoy pillado por mi nuevo vecino. No puedo dejar de mirarlo.

I think I'm crushing on my new neighbor. I can't stop looking at him.

Mi hermana está totalmente pillada por ese cantante famoso.

My sister is totally smitten with that famous singer.

The Preposition 'Por'

When talking about who you are crushing on, you must use the preposition 'por' (by/for): 'Estoy pillado por María' (I am crushing on Maria).

Overusing in Formal Settings

Mistake: “El director está pillado por la nueva política.”

Correction: Use 'fascinado' (fascinated) instead. This meaning of 'pillado' is too informal for professional contexts.

Distinguishing Intensity from Infatuation

The most common mistake is using words like 'abrumador' or 'devastador' when you mean a romantic crush. Remember, 'pillado' is the specific informal term for romantic infatuation, while the others describe overwhelming intensity or destruction.

Related Translations

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