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How to Say "fixation" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “fixation” is “obsesión” — use 'obsesión' when referring to a persistent, consuming mental focus or preoccupation, often to an excessive or unhealthy degree..

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obsesión

nounB1general
Use 'obsesión' when referring to a persistent, consuming mental focus or preoccupation, often to an excessive or unhealthy degree.

Examples

Su obsesión por la limpieza es tan fuerte que limpia la casa dos veces al día.

Her obsession with cleanliness is so strong that she cleans the house twice a day.

ida

EE-dah/ˈiða/

nounB2informal
Use 'ida' to describe a peculiar or strange mental notion, idea, or a temporary spell of unusual thought or behavior.
A simple cartoon character sitting on the ground, completely surrounded by identical, brightly colored toy tops. The character is holding one top and staring at it with intense, fixed focus.

Examples

A veces le dan unas idas muy raras.

Sometimes she has some very strange fits/outbursts.

Tiene una ida con ese coche viejo, no lo quiere vender.

He has a fixation on that old car; he doesn't want to sell it.

Figurative Meaning

In this sense, 'ida' suggests a momentary mental 'trip' or deviation from normal thinking. It is typically used in the plural, 'idas', when referring to strange behavior.

Obsesión vs. Ida

Learners often confuse 'obsesión' and 'ida' because both involve a mental state. Remember that 'obsesión' implies a continuous, often negative, preoccupation, while 'ida' refers to a more fleeting or eccentric thought or mood.

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