How to Say "obsession" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “obsession” is “obsesión” — use this for a strong, persistent, and often unhealthy preoccupation with a particular idea, person, or activity.
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obsesión
nounB1
Use this for a strong, persistent, and often unhealthy preoccupation with a particular idea, person, or activity.
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.
fijación
nounB1
This word implies that someone's mind is stuck on one particular thing, often to an unreasonable degree.
Examples
Él tiene una fijación con los videojuegos antiguos.
He has a fixation with old video games.
manía
nounB1
Use this for a specific, often peculiar habit or quirk that someone repeatedly does, similar to a mild obsession or a strong preference.
Examples
Tengo la manía de lavarme las manos cada diez minutos.
I have the quirk of washing my hands every ten minutes.
religión
nounC1informal
This is used metaphorically to describe something that someone is extremely devoted to, often to an excessive or all-consuming degree, much like a religion.
Examples
Para muchos aficionados, el fútbol es una religión.
For many fans, football (soccer) is a religion.
Obsesión vs. Fijación vs. Manía
Learners often confuse 'obsesión', 'fijación', and 'manía'. 'Obsesión' is the most direct translation for a strong, unhealthy preoccupation. 'Fijación' implies being stuck on one thing, while 'manía' refers more to a specific, often quirky, habit or repeated action.
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