Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “drunk” in Colombia! Whether you’re a language enthusiast, a traveler, or simply curious about Colombian culture, this guide will provide you with various ways to express this term. We’ll cover both formal and informal variations, while touching on regional differences if necessary. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways of Saying Drunk in Colombia
In formal situations, it’s important to use appropriate language. Here are some formal expressions to convey the idea of being drunk:
- Borracho/a: This is the most common and straightforward formal word for drunk in Colombia. For example, “Estaba bastante borracho/a anoche” (He/She was quite drunk last night).
- Embriagado/a: Another formal way to express being drunk is by using the word “embriagado/a.” It is slightly more formal than “borracho/a.” For instance, “No deberías conducir si estás embriagado/a” (You shouldn’t drive if you’re drunk).
- Ebrio/a: This term is a bit less common but still considered formal. It can be used interchangeably with “borracho/a” or “embriagado/a.” Example: “No recuerdo nada de la fiesta, estaba completamente ebrio/a” (I don’t remember anything from the party; I was completely drunk).
Informal Ways of Saying Drunk in Colombia
Colombian Spanish is known for its colorful and informal expressions. Here are some casual ways to say “drunk” when chatting with friends or in more relaxed settings:
- Tomado/a: This is a widely used informal term for being drunk. Example: “Nos pusimos tomados en la celebración” (We got drunk at the celebration).
- Embriagado/a hasta las patas: This expression is a colloquial way of saying “drunk as a skunk.” It adds a touch of humor to the conversation. Example: “Mario se puso embriagado hasta las patas en la fiesta” (Mario got extremely drunk at the party).
- Chispiao/a: This is another informal term that translates to “tipsy.” It describes being slightly intoxicated. Example: “No puedo creer que María también esté chispiada” (I can’t believe Maria is also tipsy).
Regional Variations
While Colombia has a relatively unified Spanish language, there may be slight regional variations in terms of expressing being drunk. Here are a couple of examples:
Costeño/Marro: In the coastal regions of Colombia, particularly in areas like Cartagena and Barranquilla, it’s common to hear the term “costeño” or “marro” to refer to someone who is drunk. Example: “Mi amigo está totalmente costeño después de la rumba” (My friend is completely drunk after the party).
Paisa: In the Antioquia region, where Medellin is located, people often use the word “paisa” to describe someone who is drunk. Example: “Mi hermano estaba tan paisa anoche que no podía ni hablar” (My brother was so drunk last night that he couldn’t even speak).
Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you navigate the usage of these expressions correctly:
- Remember to consider the context and the relationship with the person you’re speaking to when choosing the appropriate term.
- If you’re unsure which term to use, “borracho/a” is a safe option in both formal and informal situations.
- By inserting the adverb “bastante” (quite) before any of these phrases, you can emphasize that someone was very drunk.
Example: “Estaba bastante tomado/a en la celebración” (He/She was quite drunk at the celebration).
Remember, language is reflective of culture, so learning these expressions will not only help you communicate effectively but also show your appreciation for Colombian customs.
That wraps up our guide on how to say “drunk” in Colombia. Whether you’re using the formal variations like “borracho/a” or the informal ones like “tomado/a,” “embriagado/a hasta las patas,” or “chispiao/a,” you’ll be able to express yourself confidently. Keep in mind the regional variations, such as “costeño,” “marro,” and “paisa,” if you find yourself in different parts of Colombia.
We hope you found this guide helpful and that you enjoy exploring Colombian Spanish. ¡Salud!
