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B1 adjective 12 min read

adicto/a

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips adicto/a in 30 Seconds

Explanation adicto/a in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should learn 'adicto' as a simple adjective that describes a strong liking for something. It's like saying you 'really, really like' something. You will mostly use it in very simple sentences like 'Yo soy adicto al café' (I am addicted to coffee). The most important thing to remember at this stage is that if you are a boy, you say 'adicto,' and if you are a girl, you say 'adicta.' Also, remember to put the word 'a' after it. If you like something that is 'el' (masculine), like 'el chocolate,' you combine 'a' and 'el' to make 'al.' So, 'adicto al chocolate.' Don't worry about the medical meanings yet; just use it to talk about your favorite foods or hobbies in a funny way. You might hear it in basic conversations about habits. It's a 'cognate,' which means it looks and sounds like the English word 'addict,' so it should be easy to remember! Just focus on the 'o' for boys and 'a' for girls rule, which is a key part of Spanish grammar at this level. Practice saying what you are 'adicto' to with your friends to get used to the sound of the word. For example, 'Soy adicto a la pizza.' It's a fun way to express your personality using simple Spanish structures. Remember, even at A1, using 'ser' (soy, eres, es) is the correct verb to use with this word.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'adicto' in more varied sentences and understand its plural forms. You should be able to describe not just yourself, but other people too. For example, 'Mis amigos son adictos a los videojuegos' (My friends are addicted to video games). Notice how 'adicto' becomes 'adictos' to match 'mis amigos.' You will also start to see 'adicto' used as a noun, like 'un adicto' (an addict). At this level, you should be comfortable using it with the preposition 'a' and the correct articles (al, a la, a los, a las). You might also learn the word 'adicción' (addiction) to talk about the concept. You can use 'adicto' to talk about daily routines or bad habits in a slightly more sophisticated way. For instance, you could say 'Él es adicto al móvil and siempre está enviando mensajes' (He is addicted to his phone and is always sending messages). This level is about expanding your ability to describe the people around you and their habits. You should also be aware that 'adicto' is stronger than 'me gusta,' so use it when you want to emphasize that someone does something all the time. It's a great word for describing characters in stories or people in your family. Practice making sentences that compare two people: 'Yo soy adicto al té, pero mi hermano es adicto al café.'

As a B1 learner, you should understand the nuance between clinical addiction and casual obsession. You are now expected to use 'adicto' with more complex verbs like 'volverse' (to become) or 'hacerse.' For example, 'Es fácil volverse adicto a las redes sociales' (It's easy to become addicted to social networks). You should also be able to use it in different tenses, such as the past: 'Antes yo era adicto al tabaco, pero ya no' (Before I was addicted to tobacco, but not anymore). At B1, you start to encounter 'adicto' in news articles or short texts about health and technology. You should also be able to recognize synonyms like 'enganchado' (hooked) and know that 'enganchado' is more informal. You can use 'adicto' to discuss social issues in a basic way, such as the impact of technology on children. This level requires you to be more precise with your prepositions and to ensure perfect agreement between the subject and the adjective. You might also start using adverbs to modify the intensity, like 'extremadamente adicto' or 'ligeramente adicto.' This adds flavor to your speaking and writing. You should also be aware of the noun form in phrases like 'un adicto en recuperación' (a recovering addict). This level is where you bridge the gap between simple descriptions and more meaningful discussions about behavior and lifestyle.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'adicto' in formal debates and written essays. You understand its metaphorical uses and can discuss the psychological aspects of addiction. You should be familiar with collocations like 'adicto al trabajo' (workaholic) and 'adicto a la adrenalina' (adrenaline junkie). You can use 'adicto' to analyze social trends, such as 'la sociedad es adicta al consumo' (society is addicted to consumption). Your grammar should be flawless, including the use of the word in subjunctive structures: 'No creo que sea adicto, solo le gusta mucho' (I don't think he's addicted, he just likes it a lot). You should also be able to distinguish between 'adicto' and its more formal counterpart 'dependiente.' At B2, you can understand the word in various registers, from a doctor's explanation to a street slang context. You might also explore the history of the word or its use in literature. You should be able to write a paragraph about the pros and cons of being an 'adicto al gimnasio.' Your vocabulary is rich enough to explain WHY someone might be an addict, using words like 'ansiedad,' 'recompensa,' and 'sistema dopaminérgico.' This level is about using the word as a tool for deeper analysis and expression of complex ideas regarding human nature and modern life.

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated command of 'adicto' and its various connotations. You can use it in academic contexts to discuss 'conductas adictivas' (addictive behaviors) or 'trastornos por consumo de sustancias.' You are aware of the subtle social stigmas associated with the word and can navigate sensitive conversations using alternative phrasing like 'personas que padecen una adicción.' You understand the historical use of 'adicto' to mean 'loyalist' or 'follower' in political contexts and can interpret this in classical literature. Your use of the word is precise, and you can employ it in complex rhetorical devices. For example, you might use it in a speech: 'Somos adictos a la inmediatez, esclavos de la notificación.' You can also identify and use regional variations or slang related to addiction from different Spanish-speaking countries. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are analyzing its impact on language and society. You can participate in high-level discussions about drug policy, mental health, and the ethics of 'addictive' technology design. Your ability to use 'adicto' as both a noun and an adjective is seamless, and you can integrate it into complex sentences with multiple clauses without hesitation. You also understand the legal implications of the term in different jurisdictions.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like or near-native mastery of 'adicto.' You can detect the slightest nuances in tone—whether the word is being used ironically, metaphorically, clinically, or pejoratively. You can appreciate and use the word in high-level literary production, perhaps playing with its etymology (from the Latin 'addictus,' meaning a debtor assigned to a master). You can engage in deep philosophical discussions about whether the human condition is inherently 'adicta' to something. Your vocabulary includes all related technical terms in fields like neurobiology, sociology, and law. You can write persuasive articles about the 'economía de la atención' and how it creates 'adictos digitales.' You are also capable of translating complex English texts containing the word 'addict' into Spanish, choosing the perfect equivalent based on the register and context, whether it's 'adicto,' 'dependiente,' 'toxicómano,' or 'enganchado.' You can navigate the most sensitive cultural contexts across the Spanish-speaking world, knowing when the term might be offensive or when it is accepted. For a C2 learner, 'adicto' is just one small part of a vast linguistic web, and you can use it with the same flexibility and precision as a highly educated native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

adicto/a in 30 Seconds

Dependent on a substance or activity.
Used with 'ser' and the preposition 'a'.
Can be medical or casual (enthusiast).
Must agree in gender (adicto/adicta) and number.

The Spanish word adicto (masculine) or adicta (feminine) is a versatile adjective and noun that corresponds directly to the English word 'addict' or 'addicted.' At its core, it describes a state of physical or psychological dependence on a substance, such as drugs or alcohol, or a specific activity, such as gambling or social media. However, in modern Spanish, its usage has expanded significantly to include more casual, hyperbolic contexts. Understanding when to use 'adicto' requires a grasp of both its clinical gravity and its colloquial lightness. In a medical or formal setting, 'adicto' identifies a person suffering from a chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory, and related circuitry. In these instances, the word is treated with the same weight as it is in English healthcare. For example, medical professionals might discuss 'pacientes adictos' (addicted patients) or 'conductas adictas' (addictive behaviors). Conversely, in everyday conversation, it is incredibly common to hear someone say they are 'adicto al chocolate' or 'adicto a una serie de televisión.' In these cases, the word functions more as a synonym for 'enthusiast' or 'huge fan,' though it retains a nuance of 'being unable to stop.'

Clinical Usage: Refers to a diagnosed dependency on substances (drugs, tobacco, alcohol) or compulsive behaviors (gambling, sex).

Colloquial Usage: Used to express a strong liking or obsession with something harmless, like a hobby, food, or person.

Juan es un adicto al trabajo y nunca descansa.

Grammatically, 'adicto' functions as both an adjective and a noun. When used as an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the subject it describes: 'Él es adicto,' 'Ella es adicta,' 'Ellos son adictos,' 'Ellas son adictas.' It is almost always followed by the preposition 'a' (to) to indicate the object of the addiction. This is a crucial point for English speakers: while we say 'addicted to,' the Spanish equivalent 'adicto a' is a direct parallel. However, in Spanish, the article (el, la, los, las) is usually required after 'a.' So, 'addicted to sugar' becomes 'adicto al azúcar' (a + el = al). In terms of social nuance, while the word is common, it carries a stigma in clinical contexts. In recent years, there has been a shift in some professional circles toward using 'persona con adicción' (person with addiction) to emphasize the person over the condition, although 'adicto' remains the standard term in most general and media contexts across Spain and Latin America.

Soy adicta a esa nueva serie de Netflix; no puedo dejar de verla.

Furthermore, the word 'adicto' can also describe followers or supporters of a particular ideology, leader, or cause, though this is less common today than in the past. In political history, one might read about 'personas adictas al régimen' (people loyal/devoted to the regime). In this sense, it means 'loyal' or 'devoted.' While you won't hear this often in a coffee shop, you will encounter it in literature or historical texts. Understanding this breadth of meaning—from medical dependency to fanatical devotion to political loyalty—is key to mastering the word. Whether you are discussing the opioid crisis (una crisis de adictos) or your friend's obsession with spicy food (es adicto al picante), 'adicto' is your go-to term.

Using 'adicto' correctly in a sentence involves more than just knowing its definition; it requires understanding its syntactic environment. The most common structure is [Subject] + [Verb Ser] + adicto/a + a + [Noun]. Because 'adicto' is an adjective of state or characteristic in this context, the verb ser is the standard choice. For example, 'Él es adicto a la adrenalina' (He is addicted to adrenaline). If the subject is plural, the adjective changes: 'Nosotros somos adictos a los videojuegos.' Note how 'adictos' matches the masculine plural 'nosotros.' If the group were all female, it would be 'Nosotras somos adictas.'

Prepositional Link: Always use 'a' after 'adicto' to connect to the substance or activity. Example: 'Adicto a las compras' (Addicted to shopping).

Muchos jóvenes se vuelven adictos a las redes sociales a una edad temprana.

Another vital verb to pair with 'adicto' is volverse (to become). This indicates a change in state or the process of developing an addiction. 'Ella se volvió adicta al café durante la universidad' (She became addicted to coffee during university). Using 'volverse' adds a narrative element of transformation. You can also use hacerse in some contexts, though 'volverse' is more common for psychological changes. When 'adicto' acts as a noun, it often follows an article or a quantifier. 'Había muchos adictos en la reunión' (There were many addicts at the meeting). In this noun form, it still follows gender rules: 'un adicto' vs. 'una adicta.'

In more complex sentences, 'adicto' can be modified by adverbs to show intensity. 'Él es completamente adicto a su teléfono' (He is completely addicted to his phone) or 'Ella es extremadamente adicta al orden' (She is extremely addicted to order/neatness). These modifiers help distinguish between a lighthearted preference and a serious compulsion. Furthermore, you might see 'adicto' used in the passive voice or in descriptive clauses: 'El hombre, adicto a la heroína, buscó ayuda' (The man, addicted to heroin, sought help). Here, it functions as an appositive adjective, providing necessary background information about the subject.

No es que sea adicto, simplemente me gusta mucho el chocolate.

Negative Constructions: To say someone is NOT addicted, simply place 'no' before the verb: 'No soy adicto a nada.'

Finally, consider the placement of 'adicto' in questions. '¿Eres adicto al gimnasio?' (Are you addicted to the gym?). The structure remains fairly rigid, making it an easy pattern for learners to memorize. Whether you are writing a formal report on public health or texting a friend about a new video game, the 'ser + adicto + a' formula will serve you well. Just remember to check your gender and number agreement every time!

The word 'adicto' is omnipresent in Spanish-speaking society, appearing in diverse environments ranging from high-stakes medical dramas to casual kitchen conversations. In the realm of news and media, you will frequently hear 'adicto' in reports concerning public health crises. News anchors might discuss 'la crisis de los adictos al fentanilo' or 'programas de rehabilitación para adictos.' In these contexts, the tone is grave, professional, and empathetic. It is also a staple in documentaries about biology and psychology, where experts explain how the brain of an 'adicto' functions differently. If you watch Spanish-language news like RTVE or CNN en Español, this is the version of the word you will encounter most often.

Pop Culture & TV: In telenovelas or series like 'La Casa de Papel,' characters often use 'adicto' to describe intense emotions or toxic relationships. 'Soy adicto a ti' (I'm addicted to you) is a common, albeit dramatic, romantic trope.

En el documental, el médico explica cómo el cerebro de un adicto reacciona al estímulo.

In social media and youth culture, 'adicto' is used with high frequency and low intensity. YouTubers and TikTokers often title their videos 'Soy adicto a este juego' (I'm addicted to this game) or '10 cosas a las que soy adicta.' Here, it’s a tool for engagement, signaling enthusiasm rather than medical pathology. In the fitness world, the term 'adicto al gym' is a badge of honor, used by people who never miss a workout. Similarly, in office environments, 'adicto al trabajo' (workaholic) is a common descriptor for that one colleague who answers emails at 3 AM. You’ll hear it in the breakroom: 'Pobre Javier, es un adicto al trabajo, no tiene vida social.'

In literature and music, 'adicto' serves as a powerful metaphor. Songwriters in genres like Reggaeton, Rock en Español, and Boleros use it to describe obsessive love. A lyric might say 'adicto a tus besos' (addicted to your kisses). This usage highlights the word's ability to convey a sense of helplessness and overwhelming desire. Even in advertising, brands might use the word to imply their product is 'addictively' good, though they must be careful with regulations. For instance, a snack company might use the slogan 'Adictos al sabor' (Addicted to the flavor). Understanding these contexts—from the sobering reality of a clinic to the hyperbolic passion of a love song—allows you to interpret the word's true meaning based on the speaker's tone and the setting.

La canción dice que él es adicto a su perfume, lo cual suena muy romántico en español.

Educational Settings: In schools, teachers talk about being 'adictos a la lectura' (addicted to reading) to encourage students, turning a normally negative word into a positive trait.

While 'adicto' is a cognate of the English word 'addict,' there are several pitfalls that English speakers often fall into. The most frequent error is gender and number agreement. Because English adjectives like 'addicted' don't change based on the person, students often forget to say 'Ella es adicta' or 'Ellas son adictas.' Using 'adicto' for a female subject sounds noticeably incorrect to a native speaker's ear. Always pause to consider: Who am I talking about? If it's a woman, use the 'a' ending. If it's a group, add the 's.'

The Preposition Trap: English speakers sometimes try to use 'con' (with) or 'de' (of/from) after 'adicto.' Remember: it is ALWAYS 'adicto a.' Saying 'adicto con drogas' is a literal translation of 'addicted with drugs' and is incorrect in Spanish.

Incorrecto: Ella es adicto de los dulces.
Correcto: Ella es adicta a los dulces.

Another common mistake involves the verb choice. As mentioned previously, 'ser' is the standard verb for 'adicto.' English speakers sometimes use 'estar' because they perceive addiction as a temporary state or a condition. However, in Spanish logic, being an 'adicto' is seen as a defining characteristic or a categorized identity, which requires 'ser.' While you might use 'estar' with 'enganchado' (hooked), 'estar adicto' sounds unnatural. Stick to 'ser' or 'volverse' (to become).

A subtle but important mistake is the omission of the definite article. In English, we say 'addicted to sugar.' In Spanish, you must say 'adicto al azúcar' (addicted to the sugar). Omitting the 'el' or 'la' makes the sentence feel incomplete. This applies to plural nouns too: 'adicto a las redes sociales,' not 'adicto a redes sociales.' Furthermore, be careful with the word adicción (the noun 'addiction'). Students often misspell it with one 'c' because of the English 'addiction' (with two 'd's). In Spanish, it's 'adicción' (double 'c', single 'd').

Él se volvió adicto al café (a + el), no 'adicto café'.

False Friend Confusion: Don't confuse 'adicto' with 'aficionado.' An 'aficionado' is a fan or hobbyist. An 'adicto' implies a lack of control. If you love football, you are an 'aficionado al fútbol.' If you can't live without it and it ruins your life, you're an 'adicto.'

Spanish offers a rich palette of words to describe levels of interest or dependency, allowing you to be more precise than just using 'adicto.' If you want to sound more like a native, especially in informal settings, you should learn these alternatives. The most common informal alternative is enganchado/a. This literally means 'hooked' (from 'gancho,' meaning hook). It’s perfect for talking about TV shows, books, or video games. 'Estoy enganchadísimo a esta serie' (I'm super hooked on this series). It conveys the same idea as 'adicto' but feels less medical and more conversational.

Dependiente: This is the formal, clinical term. It means 'dependent.' In a medical report, you’ll see 'dependencia de sustancias' rather than 'adicción' sometimes. Use this if you want to sound objective and professional.

Estoy enganchado a ese podcast; escucho tres episodios al día.

Another great word is viciado/a. In Spain, this is very common among gamers and young people. 'Viciarse' is the verb meaning to get addicted to a game or activity. 'Me he viciado al Zelda' (I've gotten addicted/hooked on Zelda). While it comes from 'vicio' (vice), in this context, it’s usually lighthearted. However, be careful: 'vicioso' can also mean 'depraved' or 'lustful' in other contexts, so 'viciado' is safer for hobbies. For someone who is a fan or an enthusiast without the negative connotation of addiction, use aficionado/a or fanático/a. 'Soy aficionado a la fotografía' sounds much more balanced than 'Soy adicto a la fotografía.'

If you want to describe someone who is very devoted to a cause or a person, devoto/a or fiel (faithful) are better choices. 'Es un fiel seguidor de ese autor' (He is a faithful follower of that author). For a workaholic, while 'adicto al trabajo' is fine, you can also use the borrowed English term workaholic (often used in business circles) or the more descriptive 'persona muy trabajadora.' Finally, the word supeditado/a means 'subordinated to' or 'dependent on' in a more structural or logical sense, often used in legal or academic writing. By choosing the right word, you can accurately convey whether someone has a serious problem, a fun hobby, or a professional dedication.

No soy adicto, solo soy un gran aficionado al cine clásico.

Summary Table: - Adicto: Strongest, clinical or hyperbolic.
- Enganchado: Informal, very common for media/hobbies.
- Viciado: Specifically for video games or repetitive fun activities.
- Aficionado: Healthy interest or hobby.
- Fanático: Extreme fan (e.g., sports).

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"El paciente es adicto a sustancias psicotrópicas."

Neutral

"Él es adicto al café."

Informal

"Estoy enganchado a esta serie."

Child friendly

"A mi osito le gusta mucho la miel, ¡es adicto!"

Slang

"Ese tío es un viciado del FIFA."

Fun Fact

The word originally had nothing to do with drugs! It was a legal term for debt slavery. Only in the 20th century did it take on its modern medical meaning.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /aˈðik.to/

US /aˈðik.to/

The stress falls on the penultimate (second to last) syllable: a-DIC-to.

Rhymes With

Conflicto Victo Invicto Veredicto Strictto Delicto Edicto Dicto

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'c' like an 's' (it should be a 'k' sound).
Making the 'd' too hard like an English 'd' (it should be softer).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize because it is a cognate.

Writing 2/5

Need to remember gender agreement and the preposition 'a'.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce, but remember the soft 'd'.

Listening 1/5

Clearly audible in most contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ser a el/la mucho gustar

Learn Next

adicción adictivo enganchado vicio dependencia

Advanced

toxicomanía abstinencia ludopatía síndrome de abstinencia

Grammar to Know

Gender Agreement

Él es adicto / Ella es adicta.

Number Agreement

Ellos son adictos / Ellas son adictas.

Prepositional Phrases

Adicto + a + [noun].

Contraction 'al'

Adicto a + el = Adicto al.

Verb 'Ser' vs 'Estar'

Always use 'ser' with 'adicto' for identity/characteristics.

Examples by Level

Yo soy adicto al chocolate.

I am addicted to chocolate.

'Soy' is the verb 'ser' (I am). 'Al' is 'a + el.'

¿Eres adicta al café?

Are you (feminine) addicted to coffee?

'Adicta' ends in 'a' because it refers to a woman.

Él no es adicto al tabaco.

He is not addicted to tobacco.

'No' goes before the verb 'es.'

Nosotros somos adictos a la pizza.

We are addicted to pizza.

'Adictos' is plural to match 'nosotros.'

Ella es adicta a la música.

She is addicted to music.

'Adicta' matches the feminine 'ella.'

¿Son ustedes adictos al fútbol?

Are you all addicted to soccer?

'Ustedes' uses the plural 'adictos.'

Mi perro es adicto a los huesos.

My dog is addicted to bones.

Animals also use gendered adjectives; 'perro' is masculine.

Soy adicto a leer libros.

I am addicted to reading books.

'Adicto a' can be followed by an infinitive verb (leer).

Juan se volvió adicto a los videojuegos.

Juan became addicted to video games.

'Se volvió' indicates a change in state.

Hay muchos adictos al trabajo en esta oficina.

There are many workaholics in this office.

'Adictos' is used here as a noun.

Ella no quiere ser adicta al azúcar.

She doesn't want to be addicted to sugar.

'Ser adicta' is the infinitive form after 'quiere.'

Mis padres son adictos a las noticias.

My parents are addicted to the news.

Plural agreement: 'padres' -> 'adictos.'

¿Te consideras un adicto al gimnasio?

Do you consider yourself a gym addict?

'Un adicto' is the noun form with an article.

Ella es adicta a las compras por internet.

She is addicted to online shopping.

'A las' is used for plural feminine nouns.

Ellos son adictos a la adrenalina y viajan mucho.

They are adrenaline junkies and travel a lot.

'Adicto a la adrenalina' is a common phrase.

No soy adicto, solo me gusta mucho el té.

I'm not addicted, I just like tea a lot.

Contrast between 'adicto' and 'me gusta.'

Es peligroso ser adicto a las redes sociales.

It is dangerous to be addicted to social networks.

'Es peligroso' + infinitive 'ser.'

Muchos jóvenes se vuelven adictos sin darse cuenta.

Many young people become addicts without realizing it.

'Sin darse cuenta' means 'without realizing.'

Mi abuelo era adicto al tabaco hace años.

My grandfather was addicted to tobacco years ago.

'Era' is the imperfect tense for past states.

El médico habló con el adicto sobre su salud.

The doctor spoke with the addict about his health.

'El adicto' functions as the object of the preposition.

Ella se siente adicta a su nuevo novio.

She feels addicted to her new boyfriend.

'Sentirse' + adjective describes a feeling.

¿Cómo podemos ayudar a un adicto al juego?

How can we help a gambling addict?

'Adicto al juego' is the term for a gambler.

No sabía que eras tan adicta a la limpieza.

I didn't know you were so addicted to cleaning.

'Tan' is used for emphasis.

Él es un adicto en recuperación desde hace un mes.

He has been a recovering addict for a month.

'En recuperación' modifies the noun 'adicto.'

La sociedad actual parece adicta al consumo inmediato.

Today's society seems addicted to immediate consumption.

'Parece' (seems) is followed by the adjective.

Es difícil dejar de ser adicto cuando no hay apoyo.

It's hard to stop being an addict when there is no support.

'Dejar de ser' means 'to stop being.'

Ella es adicta a la aprobación de los demás.

She is addicted to the approval of others.

Psychological use of 'adicto.'

El documental analiza por qué somos adictos al azúcar.

The documentary analyzes why we are addicted to sugar.

'Ancliza por qué' introduces a subordinate clause.

Se ha vuelto un adicto al trabajo para olvidar sus problemas.

He has become a workaholic to forget his problems.

'Para' + infinitive expresses purpose.

Los científicos estudian el cerebro del adicto.

Scientists study the addict's brain.

'Del' is 'de + el.'

Aunque no lo admita, es adicta a las series coreanas.

Even if she doesn't admit it, she's addicted to Korean series.

'Aunque' + subjunctive indicates a concession.

No quiero que mi hijo se vuelva adicto al móvil.

I don't want my son to become addicted to his phone.

Subjunctive 'se vuelva' after 'no quiero que.'

El paciente muestra rasgos de una personalidad adicta.

The patient shows traits of an addictive personality.

'Personalidad adicta' (addictive personality) is a set phrase.

Históricamente, muchos eran adictos a la causa monárquica.

Historically, many were loyal to the monarchist cause.

Historical sense of 'loyal/devoted.'

La novela describe la caída de un hombre adicto al opio.

The novel describes the fall of a man addicted to opium.

Literary context.

Es imperativo tratar al adicto con dignidad y respeto.

It is imperative to treat the addict with dignity and respect.

Formal 'es imperativo' + infinitive.

Se debate si somos adictos a la tecnología por diseño.

It is debated whether we are addicted to technology by design.

'Se debate' is an impersonal construction.

Su discurso fue para los adictos al régimen un gran aliento.

His speech was a great encouragement for the regime's loyalists.

'Adictos al régimen' means political followers.

La vulnerabilidad del adicto es explotada por el mercado.

The addict's vulnerability is exploited by the market.

Passive voice 'es explotada.'

Ella se confiesa adicta a la melancolía de los domingos.

She confesses to being addicted to the melancholy of Sundays.

Poetic/Metaphorical use.

La fenomenología del adicto trasciende la mera biología.

The phenomenology of the addict transcends mere biology.

Academic/Philosophical register.

El texto alude a los 'adictos' como aquellos sujetos a una deuda.

The text alludes to 'addicts' as those subject to a debt.

Etymological reference to Roman law.

Resulta reduccionista tildar de adicto a quien padece un trauma.

It is reductionist to label as an addict someone suffering from trauma.

Advanced vocabulary: 'reduccionista', 'tildar de.'

La arquitectura de las apps busca crear usuarios adictos.

App architecture seeks to create addicted users.

'Busca' (seeks) + infinitive.

Su prosa es adicta a los adjetivos innecesarios y al barroquismo.

His prose is addicted to unnecessary adjectives and baroqueness.

Metaphorical use in literary criticism.

No podemos soslayar la realidad del adicto en la gran ciudad.

We cannot ignore the reality of the addict in the big city.

'Soslayar' means to ignore or avoid.

El estigma del adicto persiste pese a los avances científicos.

The stigma of the addict persists despite scientific advances.

'Pese a' means 'despite.'

¿Es el ser humano, por naturaleza, un ser adicto al sentido?

Is the human being, by nature, a being addicted to meaning?

Philosophical inquiry.

Common Collocations

adicto al trabajo

adicto a la adrenalina

adicto a las drogas

adicto al móvil

adicto al chocolate

adicto al juego

adicto a la lectura

adicto a las compras

adicto al gimnasio

adicto a una serie

Common Phrases

Ser adicto a...

— To be addicted to something. The standard structure.

Soy adicto a la cafeína.

Volverse adicto

— To become addicted over time.

Se volvió adicto después del accidente.

Rehabilitación para adictos

— Rehab for addicts. A common social phrase.

Abrieron un nuevo centro de rehabilitación para adictos.

Conducta adicta

— Addictive behavior. Used in psychology.

Tiene una conducta adicta al riesgo.

Personalidad adicta

— Addictive personality. A common psychological trait.

Las personas con personalidad adicta deben tener cuidado.

Adictos al régimen

— Loyalists to a political regime (historical).

Eran adictos al régimen anterior.

Cerebro de un adicto

— The brain of an addict. Common in science.

Estudiamos el cerebro de un adicto.

Hacerse adicto

— To make oneself an addict or become one.

No te hagas adicto a esas pastillas.

Declararse adicto

— To declare oneself an addict (often jokingly).

Me declaro adicto a tus besos.

Tratar a un adicto

— To treat an addict (medically).

Es difícil tratar a un adicto que no quiere ayuda.

Often Confused With

adicto/a vs Aficionado

An aficionado is just a fan; an adicto has a dependency.

adicto/a vs Vicioso

Vicioso can imply moral depravity, whereas adicto is more medical/behavioral.

adicto/a vs Enganchado

Enganchado is the informal version of adicto.

Idioms & Expressions

"Estar enganchado"

— To be hooked on something. The most common idiom for addiction.

Estoy enganchado a la nueva temporada.

Informal

"Tener el vicio de..."

— To have the 'vice' or habit of something.

Tiene el vicio de comerse las uñas.

Neutral

"Ser un yonqui de..."

— To be a junkie for something (very strong).

Es un yonqui de la velocidad.

Slang

"Estar pillado por..."

— To be 'caught' or obsessed with something/someone.

Está pillado por esa chica.

Slang

"Beber los vientos por..."

— To be madly in love or obsessed with someone.

Bebe los vientos por su mujer.

Informal

"No poder vivir sin..."

— To not be able to live without something.

No puedo vivir sin mi café.

Informal

"Ser esclavo de..."

— To be a slave to a habit.

Es esclavo de su propio éxito.

Literary

"Tener mono"

— To have withdrawal symptoms (literally 'to have monkey').

Tengo mono de chocolate.

Slang (Spain)

"Estar colgado de..."

— To be hanging/hooked on someone or something.

Está colgado de los videojuegos.

Slang

"Hacerse la boca agua"

— To have one's mouth water (craving).

Se me hace la boca agua con ese pastel.

Informal

Easily Confused

adicto/a vs Adicción

Spelling

Spanish has one 'd' and two 'c's (adicción). English has two 'd's and one 'c' (addiction).

Su adicción es grave.

adicto/a vs Adictivo

Part of speech

Adictivo is the adjective for things (drugs are adictivas). Adicto is for people.

El azúcar es muy adictivo.

adicto/a vs Afecto

Sound

Afecto means affection or fondness. Adicto means addicted.

Siento afecto por él.

adicto/a vs Edicto

Sound

An edicto is an official decree or proclamation.

El juez publicó un edicto.

adicto/a vs Dicto

Sound

Dicto is the first person present of 'dictar' (to dictate).

Yo dicto la lección.

Sentence Patterns

Soy adicto a [noun].

Soy adicto a la pizza.

Él/Ella es adicto/a a [noun].

Ella es adicta al cine.

Se volvió adicto a [noun].

Se volvió adicto al tabaco.

No soy adicto, solo me gusta...

No soy adicto, solo me gusta el café.

Es difícil no ser adicto a...

Es difícil no ser adicto al móvil.

La personalidad adicta tiende a...

La personalidad adicta tiende al riesgo.

Ser adicto a la causa de...

Era adicto a la causa de la libertad.

La condición de adicto conlleva...

La condición de adicto conlleva un estigma social.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both casual and formal Spanish.

Common Mistakes

Ella es adicto. → Ella es adicta.
Adjectives must agree in gender with the noun they modify. Since 'ella' is feminine, 'adicto' must become 'adicta'.
Soy adicto de café. → Soy adicto al café.
The preposition used with 'adicto' is always 'a', never 'de'. Also, 'a + el' contracts to 'al'.
Estoy adicto a los juegos. → Soy adicto a los juegos.
Addiction is considered a characteristic or identity in Spanish, so the verb 'ser' is used instead of 'estar'.
Él es un addicto. → Él es un adicto.
In Spanish, 'adicto' is spelled with one 'd'. The double 'd' is an English spelling.
Soy adicto a redes sociales. → Soy adicto a las redes sociales.
In Spanish, you almost always need the definite article (el, la, los, las) after the preposition 'a'.

Tips

Watch the Preposition

Always remember to use 'a' after 'adicto'. If the following word is masculine singular, it becomes 'al'. Example: 'Adicto al café'.

Use Synonyms

In informal settings, use 'enganchado' instead of 'adicto' to sound more like a native speaker. It's less heavy and very common.

Context Matters

Be careful using 'adicto' in serious health discussions. It's often better to say 'una persona con problemas de adicción' to be more sensitive.

Soft 'D'

Practice the Spanish 'd' by placing your tongue against your upper teeth. It should sound softer than the English 'd'.

Spelling Check

Remember that 'adicción' (the noun) has two 'c's in Spanish, unlike the English 'addiction' which has two 'd's.

Gender Agreement

Always match the ending (-o or -a) to the person you are talking about. This is a very common mistake for English speakers.

Cognate Power

Use the fact that 'adicto' is a cognate to help you remember it, but don't forget the Spanish-specific grammar rules that go with it.

Ser vs Volverse

Use 'ser' for the state of being an addict and 'volverse' for the process of becoming one. 'Él es adicto' vs 'Él se volvió adicto'.

Gaming Context

If you're talking about video games, 'viciado' is the perfect word to use in Spain. 'Estoy viciado al Zelda'.

Etymology

Knowing that 'adicto' comes from a word for 'debt' can help you remember the sense of being 'bound' or 'indebted' to something.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Addict' + 'o'. The 'o' looks like a zero, which is how much control an addict has over their habit. Or link the 'o' to 'obsession'.

Visual Association

Imagine a person tied with a rope (the letter 'a') to a giant chocolate bar.

Word Web

adicto adicción adictivo drogas juego café ser volverse a al

Challenge

Try to name three things you are 'adicto' to (casually) and three things that are 'adictivo' (addictive).

Word Origin

From the Latin 'addictus', which was the past participle of 'addicere' (to assign, surrender, or adjudge).

Original meaning: In Roman law, an 'addictus' was a person who was legally assigned as a slave to a creditor because they could not pay their debts.

Romance (Latin origin).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'adicto' for people with serious illnesses; in professional settings, 'persona con adicción' is more respectful.

English speakers use 'addict' similarly, but Spanish speakers use 'adicto' as an adjective much more frequently in casual conversation.

'Adictos al amor' (Addicted to Love) - common song title translation. 'Confesiones de un adicto' - common title for memoirs.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical/Health

adicto en recuperación
tratar una adicción
centro para adictos
adicto a las drogas

Hobbies/Food

adicto al chocolate
adicto a las series
adicto al gimnasio
adicto al picante

Technology

adicto al móvil
adicto a las redes sociales
adicto a los videojuegos
adicto a internet

Work/School

adicto al trabajo
adicto a la lectura
adicto al estudio
adicto al éxito

Relationships

adicto a ti
adicto al amor
adicto a su atención
adicto a los halagos

Conversation Starters

"¿Eres adicto a alguna serie de televisión en este momento?"

"¿Crees que la sociedad es adicta a los teléfonos móviles?"

"¿Conoces a alguien que sea un verdadero adicto al trabajo?"

"¿A qué comida eres totalmente adicto?"

"¿Es posible ser adicto a algo positivo, como el ejercicio?"

Journal Prompts

Escribe sobre algo a lo que eras adicto cuando eras niño.

¿Cómo ha cambiado la tecnología nuestra forma de ser adictos a la información?

Describe un día en la vida de un adicto al trabajo.

¿Crees que el término 'adicto' se usa demasiado a la ligera hoy en día?

Escribe una carta a un amigo que es adicto al café dándole consejos.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Not necessarily. While it has a medical negative origin, it is used casually to mean you are a huge fan of something harmless, like 'adicto a la lectura' (addicted to reading). Context and tone determine the meaning.

It is much more common and correct to use 'ser'. 'Ser adicto' describes a characteristic or an identity. 'Estar adicto' is rarely heard and sounds unnatural to native speakers.

The most common way is 'adicto al trabajo'. In some business contexts, people might use the English word, but 'adicto al trabajo' is understood by everyone.

'Adicto' is more formal and can be clinical. 'Enganchado' is informal and is used frequently for things like TV shows, games, or social media. If you are talking to friends, 'enganchado' sounds more natural.

It is both. You can say 'Él es adicto' (adjective) or 'Él es un adicto' (noun). Both are correct and used frequently.

Yes, you must change it to 'adictas'. For example: 'Ellas son adictas al chocolate'.

Always use 'a'. For example: 'adicto a las drogas', 'adicto al juego', 'adicto a ti'.

There isn't a commonly used single verb like 'to addict'. Instead, we use 'causar adicción' (to cause addiction) or 'enganchar' (to hook).

Yes, but this is an older or more formal literary meaning. You might see 'adictos al trono' meaning 'loyalists to the throne'.

'Drogadicto' specifically means a drug addict. 'Adicto' is more general and can refer to anything.