Inklingo

How to Say "spaced out" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “spaced out” is “desconectado” — use 'desconectado' when you want to say you are not paying attention to something specific, like news or a conversation, because you've been out of touch with it.

English → Spanish

desconectado

des-koh-nek-TAH-dohdeskonekˈtaðo

adjectiveB2general
Use 'desconectado' when you want to say you are not paying attention to something specific, like news or a conversation, because you've been out of touch with it.
A person sitting on a park bench looking at a flower while a crowd of people walk past them in the background.

Examples

He estado desconectado de las noticias toda la semana.

I've been out of touch with the news all week.

En vacaciones, prefiero estar totalmente desconectado.

On vacation, I prefer to be totally off the grid.

El jefe parece desconectado de la realidad de sus empleados.

The boss seems disconnected from the reality of his employees.

Mental States

When used for people, this word describes a mental state. Just like the physical meaning, we use 'estar' because it describes how someone feels or acts right now.

Don't confuse with 'unconscious'

Mistake: “El hombre está desconectado.”

Correction: This usually means he is ignoring you or 'spaced out.' If he is physically unconscious, use 'inconsciente' or 'desmayado.'

volado

bo-LAH-doboˈlaðo

adjectiveB2informal
Choose 'volado' when you feel mentally foggy or forgetful, often due to lack of sleep or a temporary lapse in concentration.
A person sitting on a park bench looking up at the clouds with a dreamy, distracted expression.

Examples

Perdona, estoy un poco volado hoy; no dormí bien.

Sorry, I'm a bit spaced out today; I didn't sleep well.

Ese chico es muy volado, se cree el mejor del mundo.

That guy is very conceited; he thinks he's the best in the world.

Matching the Person

Since this is a describing word, it changes to 'volada' for women and 'volados/as' for groups.

colgado

kol-GAH-dohkolˈɡaðo

adjectiveC1informal
Use 'colgado' in Spain to describe someone who is very distracted or absent-minded, often to the point of being oblivious to their surroundings.
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.

zombi

som-beeˈsombi

nounB1informal
Employ 'zombi' metaphorically to describe yourself or someone else who is acting inattentive and sluggish, usually because they are extremely tired.
A person sitting on a sofa with messy hair and heavy eyelids, looking very tired.

Examples

No dormí nada anoche; hoy soy un zombi.

I didn't sleep at all last night; today I'm a zombie.

Deja de mirar el teléfono como un zombi.

Stop looking at your phone like a zombie.

Describing People

Even though 'zombi' is a noun, you can use it after the verb 'to be' (ser/estar) to describe how someone looks or feels.

Distinguishing 'Desconectado' from 'Volado'

Learners often confuse 'desconectado' and 'volado.' Remember, 'desconectado' implies being out of touch with external information, while 'volado' describes a more internal state of mental fogginess or forgetfulness.

Related Translations

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