How to Say "obsessive" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “obsessive” is “obsesivo” — use this word to describe a person or their behavior when they have a strong, persistent preoccupation with something, similar to the direct English translation..
obsesivo
/ob-se-SEE-bo//obseˈsiβo/
Examples
Él es muy obsesivo con el orden de su escritorio.
He is very obsessive about the order of his desk.
Tiene un comportamiento obsesivo que le impide relajarse.
He has an obsessive behavior that prevents him from relaxing.
Sus pensamientos obsesivos no la dejan dormir bien.
Her obsessive thoughts don't let her sleep well.
Es un obsesivo de la limpieza.
He is a clean-freak / an obsessive about cleaning.
Adjective Agreement
Since this word ends in -o, you must change it to 'obsesiva' if you are describing a girl or a feminine thing, and add an -s for plurals.
Using with 'Ser' vs 'Estar'
Use 'ser' if being obsessive is a permanent personality trait. Use 'estar' (usually as 'obsesionado') if it is just a temporary feeling about one specific thing.
Making it a Noun
To turn this describing word into a person, just put 'un' or 'una' in front of it (e.g., 'un obsesivo' = an obsessive person).
Obsesivo vs. Obsesionado
Mistake: “Estoy muy obsesivo con este libro.”
Correction: Estoy muy obsesionado con este libro.
obsesivo
/ob-se-SEE-bo//obseˈsiβo/
Examples
Es un obsesivo de la limpieza.
He is a clean-freak / an obsessive about cleaning.
Él es muy obsesivo con el orden de su escritorio.
He is very obsessive about the order of his desk.
Tiene un comportamiento obsesivo que le impide relajarse.
He has an obsessive behavior that prevents him from relaxing.
Sus pensamientos obsesivos no la dejan dormir bien.
Her obsessive thoughts don't let her sleep well.
Adjective Agreement
Since this word ends in -o, you must change it to 'obsesiva' if you are describing a girl or a feminine thing, and add an -s for plurals.
Using with 'Ser' vs 'Estar'
Use 'ser' if being obsessive is a permanent personality trait. Use 'estar' (usually as 'obsesionado') if it is just a temporary feeling about one specific thing.
Making it a Noun
To turn this describing word into a person, just put 'un' or 'una' in front of it (e.g., 'un obsesivo' = an obsessive person).
Obsesivo vs. Obsesionado
Mistake: “Estoy muy obsesivo con este libro.”
Correction: Estoy muy obsesionado con este libro.
fanático
Examples
Tiene una actitud fanática respecto a la política.
He has a fanatical attitude regarding politics.
maníaco
Examples
El paciente muestra un comportamiento maníaco hoy.
The patient is showing manic behavior today.
enfermizo
/en-fer-MEE-soh//eɱfeɾˈmiθo/
Examples
Tienen una relación enfermiza basada en los celos.
They have an unhealthy relationship based on jealousy.
Siente una curiosidad enfermiza por los crímenes reales.
He has a morbid curiosity about true crimes.
Su perfeccionismo es enfermizo.
His perfectionism is obsessive/unhealthy.
Abstract Use
When used with abstract nouns like 'amor' or 'curiosidad', it translates best as 'unhealthy' or 'morbid' rather than 'physically sick'.
Word Order
Obsesivo vs. Fanático/Enfermizo
Related Translations
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