obsesión
/obseˈsjon/feminine
The English word obsession is translated into Spanish as obsesión.
obsesión refers to a compulsive or irrational preoccupation. If you want to describe someone's intense interest or obsession in a more conversational way, you might use manía. In formal contexts, you can use fijación to express the idea of an obsession.
Meaning: compulsive or irrational preoccupation (noun)
Which one should you use?
While obsesión is the standard term, manía can be used to convey a sense of obsession or strong interest. For a more formal expression of obsession, use fijación.
How does it change in a sentence?
obsesión is a feminine noun, meaning any accompanying articles or adjectives must also be feminine, such as una obsesión constante. If you need to use the adjective form, use obsesivo for masculine subjects and obsesiva for feminine subjects.
How do you pronounce it?
/obseˈsjon/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, saying you have a manía with someone doesn't mean you are obsessed with them in a romantic or admiring way, but rather that you have an irrational dislike or a grudge against them.
- While an English speaker might use 'maniac' to describe someone dangerous or wild, calling someone maníaco or maniático in Spanish often simply means they are a perfectionist or overly meticulous.
- The Latin root of obsesión is 'obsessiōnem', which literally means 'to be besieged' or 'to be beset'. This implies that an obsession is something that surrounds and traps a person like a military siege.
Examples in context
- La obsesión no remitía ni de noche ni de día.The obsession didn't die down day or night.This sentence shows how to use obsesión when describing something that does not diminish.Tatoeba #10322819 by Seael, translation #12242616 by Miktsoanit
- Tú eres mi obsesión.You are my obsession.This sentence uses obsesión to describe a person being someone's obsession.Tatoeba #500508 by djmalaga, translation #627397 by Eldad
- Su obsesión por la limpieza es excesiva.His obsession with cleanliness is excessive.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a new hobby.
- Sofía¿Es solo un hobby o una obsesión?Is it just a hobby or an obsession?
- DanielCreo que ya es una obsesión.I think it is already an obsession.
- SofíaDaniel, tienes que descansar un poco.Daniel, you need to rest a little.
- DanielLo sé, pero no puedo parar.I know, but I can't stop.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “obsession” translations and entries obsesión, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries obsesión, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
