caminar borracho
/kaminaɾ borat͡ʃo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "drunk walking" is translated into Spanish as caminar borracho.
This phrase describes the act of walking while under the influence of alcohol. It uses an adjective to describe the state of the person performing the action of walking.
Which one should you use?
You can also use andar borracho as a common alternative, which uses the verb andar to mean walking or going around. For a more formal or clinical description of the same state, use caminar ebrio.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the person walking is female, you must change the adjective to the feminine form caminar borracha.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaminaɾ boratʃo/
Did you know?
- The word borracho may have a linguistic connection to the word for a 'snout' or a 'nose' through the Catalan word morro, suggesting a connection between the face and the state of being intoxicated.
- In Spanish, borracho is used not only for alcohol but can also describe someone who is 'drunk' with power or love, often appearing in romantic poetry and literature.
- Spanish has a specific word, borrachera, to describe the overall state of intoxication rather than just the person who is borracho.
Examples in context
- Él empezó a caminar borracho después de la fiesta.He started walking drunk after the party.
- No es seguro caminar borracho por la ciudad.It is not safe to walk drunk through the city.
- Es difícil caminar borracho sin caerse.It is difficult to walk drunk without falling down.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are discussing a friend's behavior at a party.
- Elena¿Viste a Juan en la calle?Did you see Juan in the street?
- AlejandroSí, empezó a caminar borracho hacia su casa.Yes, he started walking drunk towards his house.
- ElenaQué peligroso es caminar borracho de noche.How dangerous it is to walk drunk at night.
- AlejandroTienes razón, Elena, es muy arriesgado.You are right, Elena, it is very risky.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries borracho, caminar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
