ludópata
/luˈdopata/
The English phrase 'degenerate gambler' is translated into Spanish as ludópata.
The term refers to a person who has a compulsive or addictive need to gamble.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word ludópata is used for both masculine and feminine subjects. To refer to multiple people, use the plural form ludópatas.
How do you pronounce it?
/luˈdopata/
Did you know?
- The Greek root -pata used in ludópata is the same one found in the word psicópata, linking the concept of a 'pathological sufferer' to various psychological profiles.
- Spanish speakers use the root ludo in other specialized terms, such as ludoteca, which is a public library specifically for toys and games.
- The word ludópata is a linguistic hybrid, combining a Latin root for 'game' with a Greek root for 'suffering'.
Examples in context
- Conozco a alguien que es un jugador compulsivo. Debería buscar ayuda antes de que su situación empeore.I know someone who is a compulsive gambler. They should seek help before their situation worsens.
- Él es un ludópata.He is a degenerate gambler.
- No quiero que seas un ludópata.I don't want you to be a degenerate gambler.
- El tratamiento es para un ludópata.The treatment is for a degenerate gambler.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are discussing a friend's problem.
- JavierCreo que Luis se ha vuelto un ludópata.I think Luis has become a degenerate gambler.
- ElenaLo noto, siempre está hablando de apuestas.I've noticed, he is always talking about betting.
- JavierEs triste que un ludópata pierda el control así.It's sad that a degenerate gambler loses control like that.
- ElenaDebemos ayudarlo a buscar un tratamiento.We should help him find treatment.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ludópata, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ludópata, CC BY-SA 4.0.
