Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| loco | /ˈloko/ | |
| colgado | /kolˈɡado/ | |
| sonado | /soˈnado/ | |
| tronado | /tɾoˈnado/ | |
| tocado | /toˈkado/ | |
| orate | /oˈɾate/ | |
| chalado | /t͡ʃaˈlado/ | |
| chiflado | /t͡ʃiˈflado/ | |
| desatinado | /desatinado/ (from spelling rules) | |
| creisi | /kɾeisi/ (from spelling rules) | Latin America |
These terms are used to describe someone who is insane, demented. To express being infatuated with or very enthusiastic about something or someone, use the phrase loco por. If you wish to refer to an insane or eccentric person as a noun, you may use venático or ideoso.
What does it mean word for word?
The term tocado literally means 'touched', used metaphorically to mean someone's mind has been 'touched' or altered.
Which one should you use?
While loco is the standard term, several other forms exist. Chiflado refers to someone who is eccentric or has odd behaviors. Chalado is an informal way to say someone is crazy. Other variations include colgado, sonado, tronado, orate and desatinado.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Chalado and chiflado are considered informal. Creisi is a slang term.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Chalado is commonly used in Spain. In parts of Latin America, you may encounter creisi, which is a slang adaptation of the English word 'crazy'. In Mexico, loco can be used as a term of endearment for someone who is mildly eccentric or fun.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective loco must agree with the subject it describes: use loca for a feminine subject, locos for a masculine plural subject and locas for a feminine plural subject.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈloko/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Está loco por ti.He's crazy about you.This sentence shows how to use loco to express being infatuated with someone.Tatoeba #1264243 by Shishir, translation #381793 by CH
- Esto es tan loco.This is so crazy.This sentence uses loco to describe a situation.Tatoeba #4329338 by pchamorro, translation #2892243 by CK
- Está un poco loco.He's a little crazy.This sentence uses loco to describe a person's state of mind.Tatoeba #4798089 by Shishir, translation #4798662 by cairnhead
- Su comportamiento es una locuraHis behavior is madness
- No puedo creer su insensatezI can't believe his foolishness
- Mi amigo está locoMy friend is crazy
- ¡Ese tipo está chiflado!That guy is crazy!
- Está completamente piradoHe/she is completely crazy
- 207 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are talking about a man who thinks he can fly.
- MateoÉl cree que puede volar.He thinks he can fly.
- María¡Ese hombre está loco!That man is insane!
- MateoSí, necesita ayuda médica.Yes, he needs medical help.
- MaríaDefinitivamente está loco.He is definitely insane.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “crazy” translations and entries loco, colgado, sonado, tronado, tocado, orate, chalado, chiflado, desatinado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries colgado, loco, sonado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
