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How to Say "hooked" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “hooked” is “adicto” — use 'adicto' when referring to a strong, often negative, addiction to something like a substance, activity, or even a habit..

English → Spanish

adicto

ah-DEEK-toh/aˈðikto/

adjectiveB1informal
Use 'adicto' when referring to a strong, often negative, addiction to something like a substance, activity, or even a habit.
A simplified illustration of a hand reaching out with strong compulsion toward a bright, singular object, representing the state of being addicted to a substance.

Examples

Es adicto al café por las mañanas.

He is addicted to coffee in the mornings.

Mi hermana es adicta a las series de televisión coreanas.

My sister is hooked on Korean TV series.

Parece que somos adictos a la tecnología.

It seems we are addicted to technology.

The Essential 'a'

When 'adicto' describes what someone is hooked on, it must always be followed by the preposition 'a' (to). This is a set pattern, like 'aficionado a' or 'alérgico a'.

Forgetting the Gender Match

Mistake: “Using 'adicto' when talking about a woman, like 'Ella es adicto'.”

Correction: Remember to match the ending to the person you are describing: 'Ella es adicta' (feminine).

atrapado

ah-trah-PAH-dah/a.tɾaˈpa.ða/

adjectiveB1informal
Use 'atrapado/a' when you are completely engrossed or captivated by something, like a book's plot, a movie, or an interesting activity.
A cartoon rabbit sitting on a couch, completely absorbed and fixated on the brightly glowing screen of a television set.

Examples

Estoy completamente atrapada por la trama de esta novela.

I am completely hooked on the plot of this novel.

Se siente atrapada en un amor no correspondido.

She feels trapped in an unrequited love.

Emotional States

This meaning describes how a person feels about an external stimulus (a book, a movie, a person). It always describes a state, so use 'estar' (e.g., 'estar atrapada').

atrapar

/ah-tra-POH//a.tɾaˈpo/

verbB1informal
Use the verb 'atrapar' (conjugated as 'atrapó' in the past tense) when something, like a story or a person, grabs your attention intensely from the start.
A person sitting on a bench, leaning forward with wide eyes, completely absorbed in a colorful book.

Examples

Ese libro me atrapó desde la primera página.

That book hooked me from the first page.

Su carisma atrapó a toda la audiencia.

His charisma captivated the whole audience.

Metaphorical Catching

Just like in English, words for 'catching' can describe your interest being grabbed by something interesting.

colgado

/kol-GAH-doh//kolˈɡaðo/

adjectiveC1informal
Use 'colgado/a' to describe someone who is very enthusiastic or obsessed with a specific hobby, interest, or person, often to an extreme degree.
A cheerful figure tightly embracing an oversized ball of brightly colored purple yarn, showing intense focus and obsession.

Examples

Mi hermana está colgada del gimnasio, va cinco veces a la semana.

My sister is hooked on the gym; she goes five times a week.

(Spain) Él siempre está colgado; nunca escucha lo que le dices.

(Spain) He is always spaced out; he never listens to what you tell him.

(Spain) Parece que Juan está colgado de María.

(Spain) It looks like Juan is crazy about María (in love with her).

Required Preposition

When 'colgado' means 'hooked' or 'in love,' it must be followed by the preposition 'de' (of/on) to introduce the object of the obsession.

Confusing Regional Meaning

Mistake: “Using 'estar colgado' to mean 'hooked' in a region where it only means 'distracted' or 'in love'.”

Correction: In many parts of Latin America, 'enganchado' is the safer, more neutral term for 'hooked' on a hobby or show.

pillado

pee-YAH-doh/piˈʎa.ðo/

adjectiveC1informal
Use 'pillado/a' informally to mean you have a crush on someone or are infatuated with them.
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.

Addiction vs. Fascination

Learners often confuse 'adicto' (addiction) with 'atrapado' (captivated). Remember, 'adicto' implies a strong, potentially negative dependency, while 'atrapado' means deeply interested or engrossed in something enjoyable.

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