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, often implying a mild impairment.

bebido🔊B1

Use 'bebido' for a general, slightly drunk state that is noticeable, often implying a mild impairment.

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mareado🔊A2

Use 'mareado' when the 'tipsy' feeling is more about lightheadedness or dizziness caused by a small amount of alcohol, similar to spinning.

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tomado🔊B2

Use 'tomado' to describe someone who is slightly intoxicated and whose judgment might be affected, suggesting they shouldn't perform critical tasks.

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prendido🔊B2

Use 'prendido' for a more informal, buzzed feeling after consuming a moderate amount of alcohol, indicating a noticeable but not severe state.

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subido🔊C1

Use 'subido' to convey a state of being slightly drunk, often implying that the effects of alcohol have just begun to show.

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ebrio🔊B1

Use 'ebrio' for a state of being drunk, though it can sometimes imply a lighter level of intoxication when context suggests it, but it's often stronger.

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bolos🔊C1

Use 'bolos' in informal settings to describe a state of being quite drunk, often implying a more pronounced level of intoxication than just 'tipsy'.

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English → Spanish

bebido

beh-BEE-dohbeˈβi.ðo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'bebido' for a general, slightly drunk state that is noticeable, 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).

mareado

mah-reh-AH-dohmaɾeˈaðo

adjectiveA2general
Use 'mareado' when the 'tipsy' feeling is more about lightheadedness or dizziness caused by a small amount of alcohol, similar to spinning.
A friendly character with swirly spiral eyes and small yellow stars circling their head, looking wobbly and off-balance.

Examples

Me siento un poco mareado después de girar tanto.

I feel a bit dizzy after spinning so much.

Ella siempre se pone mareada cuando viaja en la parte de atrás del coche.

She always gets motion sick when she travels in the back of the car.

Bebió solo una copa de vino y ya está un poco mareado.

He only drank one glass of wine and he's already a bit tipsy.

Use with 'Estar' not 'Ser'

Since feeling dizzy is a temporary state or feeling, you must use the verb 'estar'. Saying 'soy mareado' would sound like being dizzy is a permanent personality trait!

Matching the Person

The word changes its ending based on who is feeling it. Use 'mareado' for a man and 'mareada' for a woman.

The 'Sick' Confusion

Mistake: “Using 'mareado' for a general illness like a cold.”

Correction: Use 'enfermo' for being sick with a cold/flu. Use 'mareado' specifically for that spinning head or upset stomach feeling.

tomado

toh-MAH-dohtoˈmaðo

adjectiveB2general
Use 'tomado' to describe someone who is slightly intoxicated and whose judgment might be affected, suggesting they shouldn't perform critical tasks.
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.

prendido

pren-DEE-dohpɾenˈdiðo

adjectiveB2informal
Use 'prendido' for a more informal, buzzed feeling after consuming a moderate amount of alcohol, indicating a noticeable but not severe state.
A happy person with rosy cheeks smiling and holding a single glass of juice.

Examples

Después de dos copas de vino, Juan ya estaba prendido.

After two glasses of wine, Juan was already tipsy.

¡La fiesta está muy prendida!

The party is really hyped!

Slang Usage

When describing a person's mood, this always stays as an adjective and usually follows the verb 'estar'.

subido

soo-BEE-dohsuˈβiðo

adjectiveC1informal
Use 'subido' to convey a state of being slightly drunk, often implying that the effects of alcohol have just begun to show.
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.

ebrio

EH-bree-ohˈeβɾjo

adjectiveB1formal/general
Use 'ebrio' for a state of being drunk, though it can sometimes imply a lighter level of intoxication when context suggests it, but it's often stronger.
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.

bolos

BOH-lohsˈbolos

adjectiveC1very informal
Use 'bolos' in informal settings to describe a state of being quite drunk, often implying a more pronounced level of intoxication than just 'tipsy'.
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.

General vs. Specific Intoxication

Learners often use 'bebido' or 'ebrio' for any level of drunkenness. However, 'bebido' is more common for 'tipsy' than 'ebrio', which usually implies more significant intoxication. Use 'mareado' for lightheadedness, and 'tomado' or 'prendido' for a buzzed feeling.

Related Translations

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