How to Say "drunk" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “drunk” is “borracho” — this is the most common and general term for 'drunk', suitable for most everyday situations when someone is clearly intoxicated by alcohol.
borracho
boh-RRAH-cho (The 'rr' is rolled, and 'ch' sounds like the 'ch' in 'church')boˈra.tʃo
Examples
Después de tres cervezas, él estaba completamente borracho.
After three beers, he was completely drunk.
La viuda se puso borracha en la boda de su hija.
The widow got drunk at her daughter's wedding. (Note: using the feminine form 'borracha')
Los chicos borrachos hicieron mucho ruido en la calle.
The drunk boys made a lot of noise in the street. (Note: using the plural form 'borrachos')
Gender and Number Agreement
Since 'borracho' is an adjective, it must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes. If you describe a woman, use 'borracha'; if you describe a group, use 'borrachos' (masculine/mixed) or 'borrachas' (feminine).
ebrio
EH-bree-ohˈeβɾjo
Examples
El conductor fue detenido porque estaba ebrio.
The driver was detained because he was drunk.
Después de la celebración, la gente se sentía ebria de alegría.
After the celebration, people felt intoxicated with joy (figurative).
Ella no estaba ebria, solo un poco mareada.
She wasn't drunk, just a little dizzy.
Adjective Agreement
Like all Spanish descriptive words, 'ebrio' must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes. Use 'ebria' for a female, 'ebrios' for multiple males or mixed groups, and 'ebrias' for multiple females.
Confusing 'ebrio' and 'borracho'
Mistake: “Using 'ebrio' when speaking casually with friends.”
Correction: While correct, 'borracho' is much more common in casual conversation. Use 'ebrio' for news reports or official documents, where the tone is more serious.
bebido
beh-BEE-dohbeˈβi.ðo
Examples
El hombre estaba claramente bebido y no podía conducir.
The man was clearly drunk and couldn't drive.
He bebido un vaso de agua antes de salir.
I have drunk a glass of water before leaving.
Ellos habían bebido todo el jugo de naranja.
They had drunk all the orange juice.
Llegó un poco bebida a la cena, pero nadie lo notó.
She arrived a little tipsy at dinner, but no one noticed.
Forming Completed Actions
This word is the 'action done' form of 'beber' and must be combined with a form of the verb 'haber' (to have) to describe actions that have finished.
It Must Match!
When 'bebido' is used as an adjective (meaning 'drunk'), it must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes: bebido (m. sing.), bebida (f. sing.), bebidos (m. plural), bebidas (f. plural).
Using 'Estar' Instead of 'Haber'
Mistake: “Yo estoy bebido el agua.”
Correction: Yo he bebido el agua. (Remember to use 'haber' for forming completed actions, not 'estar'.)
mamado
mah-mah-dohmaˈmaðo
Examples
Llegó a casa totalmente mamado después de la fiesta.
He arrived home totally wasted after the party.
No conduzcas si estás mamado.
Don't drive if you are drunk.
Condition with 'Estar'
Because being drunk is a temporary condition, you should always use 'estar' with this meaning.
Confusion with 'Muscular'
Mistake: “Context: Watching a bodybuilding show in Madrid. '¡Qué mamado está!'”
Correction: While understood, some might think you mean he looks drunk. Use 'fuerte' to be safe in Spain.
tomado
toh-MAH-dohtoˈmaðo
Examples
Creo que ya está un poco tomado, no debería conducir.
I think he is a bit drunk now; he shouldn't drive.
Todos terminaron la fiesta un poco tomados.
Everyone finished the party a little tipsy.
The Slang Connection
This informal meaning is an extension of the primary meaning 'consumed' or 'drunk' (referring to alcohol). Use this adjective with 'estar' to describe someone's current state.
bolos
BOH-lohsˈbolos
Examples
Ellos se pusieron muy bolos en la fiesta.
They got very drunk at the party.
General vs. Specific Terms for Drunk
Related Translations
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