tóxico
/ˈtoɡsiko/
The English word "toxic" translates to Spanish as tóxico.
tóxico is used to describe something that is severely negative or harmful. Much like in English, tóxico/a can be used metaphorically to describe people or relationships that are emotionally harmful or manipulative. While tóxico is used for harm, the word venenoso can also be used specifically to describe substances or animals that are poisonous.
Meaning: severely negative or harmful (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, tóxico is the standard translation for "toxic" in both formal and informal situations.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the form changes to match the noun it describes: use tóxica for feminine singular nouns, tóxicos for masculine plural or mixed-gender nouns and tóxicas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtoɡsiko/
Did you know?
- The root of the word tóxico is actually an ancient weapon. It comes from the Greek word for 'bow', because the original poisons were specifically designed to be coated onto arrows.
- In modern Spanish slang, tóxico is frequently used as a noun to describe a partner who is overly jealous or controlling, regardless of whether they are actually harmful.
- In certain contexts, tóxico can be used ironically to describe a very intense or 'obsessive' passion for a hobby or celebrity.
Examples in context
- Ese producto es tóxico.That product is toxic.This sentence shows how to describe a product as being toxic.Tatoeba #7739310 by arh, translation #7813229 by shekitten
- ¡El chocolate es tóxico para los perros y puede matarlos!Chocolate is toxic to dogs and it can kill them!This sentence is useful for expressing that chocolate is toxic to dogs.Tatoeba #10244411 by Seael, translation #10244408 by Hybrid
- ¿Es el hexano tóxico?Is hexane toxic?This sentence shows how to ask if a specific substance is toxic.Tatoeba #4458496 by mervert1, translation #4458100 by mervert1
- La relación entre el jefe y los empleados era tóxica.The relationship between the boss and the employees was toxic.
- Es importante identificar comportamientos tóxicos en el entorno laboral.It's important to identify toxic behaviors in the workplace.
- No quiero estar cerca de ella, es una persona tóxica.I don't want to be around her, she's a toxic person.
- Esa relación de pareja es venenosa y no te conviene.That romantic relationship is toxic and not good for you.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are talking about a former friend.
- JavierYa no hablo con él porque era muy tóxico.I don't talk to him anymore because he was very toxic.
- MaríaTienes razón, Javier, esa relación no era sana.You're right, Javier, that relationship wasn't healthy.
- JavierMe sentía mal cada vez que lo veía.I felt bad every time I saw him.
- MaríaEs mejor alejarse de alguien tan tóxico.It's better to distance yourself from someone so toxic.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tóxico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tóxico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
