loco
/ˈloko/
The English phrase 'insane' is translated into Spanish as loco.
loco is used to describe someone or something characterized by insanity or the utmost folly. While it can refer to clinical insanity, it is very frequently used colloquially to mean 'crazy' or 'wild' in a non-medical sense. For describing a situation or thing that is nonsensical, the idiom de locos is commonly used. To express the process of losing one's mind or becoming insane, you use the verb volverse with loco.
Meaning: characterized by insanity or the utmost folly (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, both loco/a and chiflado/a are common in informal conversations. In Spain, the expression estar chalado/a is a popular way to describe someone as being out of one's mind. In Argentina, the colloquial phrase enfermo/a de la cabeza is used to express insanity.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the person or thing being described. Use loca for feminine singular subjects, locos for masculine plural or mixed-gender groups and locas for groups consisting only of females.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈloko/
Did you know?
- Depending on the region, the word loco can be used as a generic slang term to address a friend, similar to using 'dude' or 'man' in English.
- The etymology of loco is so debated that some researchers link it to the Ancient Greek word glaukós, which means 'clear' or 'bright'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone loco can be a term of endearment or a compliment for someone who is daring and adventurous.
Examples in context
- Esto es de locos.This is insane.This sentence shows how to use the idiomatic phrase de locos to describe a situation.Tatoeba #1686835 by Shishir, translation #1634925 by Amastan
- ¿Tom se volvió loco?Has Tom gone insane?This sentence demonstrates the use of the verb volverse with loco to show the process of becoming insane.Tatoeba #3012380 by hayastan, translation #3962726 by JSakuragi
- ¿Creés que estoy loco?Do you think that I'm insane?This sentence shows how to use loco to ask if someone is insane.Tatoeba #2055333 by hayastan, translation #2055332 by CK
- La actitud de ese hombre demuestra una locura extremaThis man's behavior demonstrates extreme insanity
- La demencia de esa situación no tiene justificaciónThe insanity of that situation is unjustifiable
- Mi vecino es chiflado, siempre inventa cosas extrañasMy neighbor is crazy, always coming up with strange things
- El conductor estaba totalmente pirado, ignoró todas las señales de tránsitoThe driver was completely insane, he ignored all the traffic signals
- Ese niño está loquito, siempre haciendo travesurasThat kid is a little crazy, always playing pranks
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are discussing a dangerous plan.
- SofíaEse plan es totalmente loco.That plan is totally insane.
- DanielNo es loco, es arriesgado.It's not insane, it's risky.
- SofíaDaniel, tienes que estar loco.Daniel, you must be insane.
- DanielSolo quiero intentar algo nuevo.I just want to try something new.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry loco, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries loco, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
