Inklingo

How to Say "habit" in Spanish

English → Spanish

costumbre

cohs-TOOM-brehkosˈtum.bɾe

nounA1general
Use 'costumbre' for a personal, ingrained routine or practice that is part of your daily life.
A young person easily slipping their foot into a well-worn running shoe next to a closed front door, illustrating a daily exercise habit.

Examples

Tengo la costumbre de leer antes de dormir.

I have the habit of reading before sleeping.

Es mi costumbre tomar un vaso de agua al levantarme.

It is my custom to drink a glass of water when I wake up.

Always Feminine

Remember that 'costumbre' is always feminine, even though it ends in '-e.' You must use 'la' or 'una' with it (e.g., 'la costumbre').

Incorrect Gender

Mistake: “El costumbre de mi abuela...”

Correction: La costumbre de mi abuela... (Always use the feminine article 'la').

hábito

nounA1general
Use 'hábito' for any repeated action or routine, similar to 'costumbre', but also for the clothing worn by monks or nuns.

Examples

Tengo el hábito de revisar mi teléfono al despertar.

I have the habit of checking my phone when I wake up.

adicción

nounB1general
Use 'adicción' when the habit is harmful, repetitive, and difficult to control, implying an addiction.

Examples

La adicción al azúcar es un problema muy común.

Sugar addiction is a very common problem.

manía

nounB1informal
Use 'manía' for a peculiar, repetitive action or quirk that might be slightly obsessive or unusual.

Examples

Tengo la manía de lavarme las manos cada diez minutos.

I have the quirk of washing my hands every ten minutes.

Confusing Routine Habits with Addictions

Learners often confuse 'costumbre' or 'hábito' (routine) with 'adicción' (addiction). Remember that 'adicción' implies a harmful, uncontrollable urge, whereas 'costumbre' and 'hábito' simply describe regular actions or routines.

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