Inklingo

How to Say "intoxicated" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “intoxicated” is “bebido” — use this word when describing someone who is visibly affected by alcohol in a casual, everyday context. It's the most common and direct way to say someone is drunk..

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bebido

adjectiveB1informal
Use this word when describing someone who is visibly affected by alcohol in a casual, everyday context. It's the most common and direct way to say someone is drunk.

Examples

El hombre estaba claramente bebido y no podía conducir.

The man was clearly drunk and couldn't drive.

ebrio

EH-bree-oh/ˈeβɾjo/

adjectiveB1formal
This is a more formal or literary term for being drunk, often used in official reports, news, or more serious discussions about intoxication.
A storybook illustration of a cheerful man stumbling awkwardly, his hat tilted, while attempting to walk down a path, showing signs of intoxication.

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.

borracho

boh-RRAH-cho (The 'rr' is rolled, and 'ch' sounds like the 'ch' in 'church')/boˈra.tʃo/

adjectiveA2medical/formal
While it can mean drunk, this term is often used in a more clinical or formal medical context, or sometimes to describe someone who is habitually drunk rather than just temporarily intoxicated.
A cartoon illustration of a dizzy man stumbling and swaying heavily while walking on a road.

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).

Choosing Between Bebido and Ebrio

Learners often confuse 'bebido' and 'ebrio' because both mean 'drunk' and are B1 level. Remember that 'bebido' is the everyday, informal choice, while 'ebrio' is more formal, often found in writing or official statements. Using 'ebrio' in a casual chat can sound overly dramatic or stiff.

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