Inklingo

How to Say "tipsy" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “tipsy” is “bebido” — use 'bebido' for a general, slightly drunk state that is noticeable but not severe, often implying a mild impairment..

bebido🔊B1

Use 'bebido' for a general, slightly drunk state that is noticeable but not severe, often implying a mild impairment.

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tomado🔊B2

Choose 'tomado' when you want to indicate that someone has had a bit too much to drink, implying a slight intoxication that might affect their judgment.

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ebrio🔊B1

While technically meaning 'drunk,' 'ebrio' is often used for a more significant level of intoxication than 'tipsy' and can sound more formal or serious.

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subido🔊C1

Use 'subido' informally to describe someone who is slightly drunk, often implying they are getting there or are just past the initial effects.

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bolos🔊C1

Employ 'bolos' in very informal settings to describe a state of being quite drunk, often suggesting a fun but potentially rowdy atmosphere.

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English → Spanish

bebido

beh-BEE-doh/beˈβi.ðo/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'bebido' for a general, slightly drunk state that is noticeable but not severe, often implying a mild impairment.
A cartoon rabbit with rosy cheeks and slightly swirling eyes, sitting down and looking dizzy, illustrating the state of being intoxicated.

Examples

El hombre estaba claramente bebido y no podía conducir.

The man was clearly drunk and couldn't drive.

Llegó un poco bebida a la cena, pero nadie lo notó.

She arrived a little tipsy at dinner, but no one noticed.

It Must Match!

When 'bebido' is used as an adjective (meaning 'drunk'), it must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes: bebido (m. sing.), bebida (f. sing.), bebidos (m. plural), bebidas (f. plural).

tomado

toh-MAH-doh/toˈmaðo/

adjectiveB2general
Choose 'tomado' when you want to indicate that someone has had a bit too much to drink, implying a slight intoxication that might affect their judgment.
A person with a dizzy expression, leaning heavily against a lamppost, visually representing intoxication.

Examples

Creo que ya está un poco tomado, no debería conducir.

I think he is a bit drunk now; he shouldn't drive.

Todos terminaron la fiesta un poco tomados.

Everyone finished the party a little tipsy.

The Slang Connection

This informal meaning is an extension of the primary meaning 'consumed' or 'drunk' (referring to alcohol). Use this adjective with 'estar' to describe someone's current state.

ebrio

EH-bree-oh/ˈeβɾjo/

adjectiveB1general
While technically meaning 'drunk,' 'ebrio' is often used for a more significant level of intoxication than 'tipsy' and can sound more formal or serious.
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.

subido

soo-BEE-doh/suˈβiðo/

adjectiveC1informal
Use 'subido' informally to describe someone who is slightly drunk, often implying they are getting there or are just past the initial effects.
A friendly cartoon character standing slightly off-balance, with rosy cheeks and a big, slightly goofy smile, indicating tipsiness.

Examples

Después de la fiesta, Juan estaba un poco subido.

After the party, Juan was a little tipsy.

bolos

/BOH-lohs//ˈbolos/

adjectiveC1very informal
Employ 'bolos' in very informal settings to describe a state of being quite drunk, often suggesting a fun but potentially rowdy atmosphere.
A person sitting on a stool looking dizzy with colorful swirls around their head.

Examples

Ellos se pusieron muy bolos en la fiesta.

They got very drunk at the party.

Informal vs. Formal Drunkenness

The main confusion lies between the general terms like 'bebido' and 'tomado' versus the more informal or slang terms like 'subido' and 'bolos'. Avoid using 'subido' or 'bolos' in formal contexts, and be aware that 'ebrio' often implies a more serious state of drunkenness than 'tipsy'.

Related Translations

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