How To Say 'High' When Talking About Drugs In Spanish

Hey guys! Ever found yourself needing to talk about being "high" in Spanish but weren't quite sure how to say it? It can be tricky because the literal translation might not always hit the mark. Plus, slang and informal language vary quite a bit from place to place. No worries, I’ve got you covered! Let's dive into the different ways you can express the idea of being "high" in Spanish, so you’ll sound like a pro and be understood no matter where you are.

Common Ways to Say "High" in Spanish

When it comes to expressing the state of being "high" in Spanish, there are several options, each with its own nuance and level of informality. One of the most common and widely understood ways to say it is "estar drogado/a." This literally translates to "to be drugged." It’s a pretty direct and clear way to express that someone is under the influence of drugs. However, it can sound a bit clinical or formal depending on the context. You might hear this term used more in news reports or formal discussions about drug use rather than in casual conversation among friends. For example, you could say, "El hombre fue arrestado por estar drogado en público" (The man was arrested for being high in public). So, while it's a good starting point, let's explore some more colorful and colloquial alternatives that you're more likely to hear in everyday conversations.

Another frequently used expression is "estar colocado/a." This term is more informal and generally implies a milder state of being high. It's closer to saying someone has a buzz or is feeling relaxed and euphoric due to drug use. The word "colocado" comes from the verb "colocar," which means to place or put. In this context, it's like saying someone has been placed in a different state of mind. For instance, you might hear someone say, "Después de fumar, me siento colocado" (After smoking, I feel high). This term is quite common in many Spanish-speaking countries and is generally well-understood. It's a safe bet if you're looking for a casual way to describe being high without sounding too intense or judgmental. Plus, it's versatile and can be used in various social situations.

Then there's "estar volado/a." This is another popular and informal way to say "high," and it's particularly common in Mexico and some parts of Central America. The word "volado" comes from the verb "volar," which means to fly. So, it's like saying someone is flying or floating, which gives you a sense of the euphoric and detached feeling often associated with being high. For example, you could say, "Anoche estaba tan volado que no recuerdo nada" (Last night I was so high that I don't remember anything). This term is definitely on the slangier side, so you'd typically use it among friends or in more casual settings. It might not be the best choice if you're talking to someone older or in a more formal situation, but it's a great way to connect with younger people or those who are familiar with the local slang.

Region-Specific Slang

Spanish is a diverse language, and the slang used to describe being "high" can vary significantly from one country to another. If you really want to sound like a local, it's essential to pick up some of these region-specific terms. For example, in some parts of South America, you might hear the term "estar en la onda." While this phrase can also mean "to be in the groove" or "to be on the same wavelength," it can also refer to being high, depending on the context. It's a bit more subtle and indirect, so you'd need to pay attention to the conversation to understand if that's what's being implied.

In Argentina, you might encounter the term "estar re loco/a." This literally translates to "to be really crazy," but it's often used to describe someone who is very high or intoxicated. The "re" prefix intensifies the adjective "loco," so it's like saying someone is extremely out of it. This term is quite informal and can be a bit harsh, so use it with caution. You'd typically use it among close friends who understand the slang and won't take offense. It's also important to be aware of the tone and context in which it's used, as it can sometimes carry a negative connotation.

In Spain, you might hear "estar ciego/a" which translates to "to be blind." While it doesn't directly relate to drugs, it implies being so intoxicated that your senses are impaired, similar to being blind. For instance, you might hear, "Después de beber tanto, estaba ciego" (After drinking so much, I was blind). This term is more commonly used in the context of alcohol intoxication, but it can sometimes be used to describe being high on drugs as well. It's a colorful and expressive way to convey the idea of being completely out of it.

Other regional variations

• Estar marihuano/a (Mexico): Specifically refers to being high on marijuana.
• Estar grifo/a (Spain): Another term for being high, often used among younger people.
• Estar pacheco/a (Mexico): Similar to "estar volado," implying a relaxed and euphoric state.

Verbs Associated with Getting High

Beyond just describing the state of being high, it's also helpful to know the verbs associated with getting high. These verbs can add more depth and nuance to your conversations about drug use. One common verb is "drogarse," which means "to take drugs" or "to get drugged." It's a reflexive verb, so you'll typically use it with reflexive pronouns like "me," "te," "se," etc. For example, you could say, "No me gusta drogarme" (I don't like to take drugs). This verb is quite direct and can be used in a variety of contexts, from casual conversations to more formal discussions.

Another verb you might hear is "colocarse," which means "to get high" or "to get a buzz." This is also a reflexive verb, and it's generally used to describe a milder state of being high. For instance, you might say, "Me coloqué con un poco de marihuana" (I got high with a little bit of marijuana). This verb is more informal and is often used among friends or in more relaxed settings. It implies a sense of enjoyment and relaxation, rather than a heavy or intense experience.

Then there's "volarse," which, as we mentioned earlier, means "to fly." In the context of drug use, it means "to get really high" or "to get out of it." This is a slangier term and is typically used in Mexico and some parts of Central America. For example, you could say, "Nos volamos anoche en la fiesta" (We got really high last night at the party). This verb is definitely on the informal side, so you'd use it with caution and only among people who are familiar with the slang.

Additional Verbs to Use

• Fumar (to smoke): Often implies smoking marijuana or other substances.
• Inhalar (to inhale): Used for substances that are inhaled, like cocaine or solvents.
• Meterse (to inject or take): Can refer to injecting drugs or taking pills.

How to Use These Terms in a Sentence

Okay, so now that you know some of the key terms and verbs, let's put them into practice with some example sentences. This will help you understand how to use these words in context and get a feel for their nuances. Imagine you want to ask a friend if they're high. You could say, "¿Estás drogado/a?" This is a direct and straightforward question, but it might sound a bit accusatory or judgmental. A more casual and friendly way to ask would be, "¿Estás colocado/a?" or "¿Estás volado/a?" These questions are less intense and imply a sense of curiosity rather than judgment.

If you want to describe your own experience of being high, you could say, "Me siento drogado/a" (I feel drugged), "Me siento colocado/a" (I feel high), or "Me siento volado/a" (I feel high). The choice of words will depend on the level of intensity you want to convey and the context of the conversation. If you're talking to close friends and want to be more expressive, you might say, "Estoy re loco/a" (I'm really crazy) or "Estoy en la onda" (I'm in the groove), depending on the region you're in.

To talk about the act of getting high, you could say, "Me voy a drogar" (I'm going to take drugs), "Me voy a colocar" (I'm going to get high), or "Me voy a volar" (I'm going to get really high). Again, the choice of words will depend on the context and your personal preferences. If you want to be more specific about the substance you're using, you could say, "Voy a fumar marihuana" (I'm going to smoke marijuana) or "Voy a inhalar cocaína" (I'm going to inhale cocaine).

More Example Sentences

• "Cuando fumo, me siento más creativo" (When I smoke, I feel more creative).
• "No me gusta estar drogado en el trabajo" (I don't like being high at work).
• "¿Alguna vez te has volado con hongos?" (Have you ever gotten high on mushrooms?).
• "Después de la fiesta, todos estaban colocados" (After the party, everyone was high).

Cultural Sensitivity

It's super important to be aware of the cultural context when talking about drug use in Spanish. Attitudes towards drugs can vary widely from one country to another, and what might be acceptable in one place could be taboo in another. In some cultures, drug use is more openly discussed and tolerated, while in others it's a very sensitive and private matter. So, it's always a good idea to gauge the situation and be respectful of local customs and norms.

Also, be mindful of the potential negative connotations associated with drug use. While some people might use these terms casually and without judgment, others might find them offensive or inappropriate. It's essential to be sensitive to these differences and avoid making assumptions about people's attitudes towards drugs. If you're unsure, it's always best to err on the side of caution and use more neutral or formal language.

Finally, remember that language is constantly evolving, and new slang terms are always emerging. What's popular today might be outdated tomorrow, so it's a good idea to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and expressions. You can do this by watching movies and TV shows, listening to music, and interacting with native speakers. The more you immerse yourself in the language and culture, the better you'll become at understanding and using these terms appropriately.

So there you have it – a comprehensive guide to saying "high" in Spanish! Whether you choose to use "estar drogado/a," "estar colocado/a," "estar volado/a," or one of the many region-specific slang terms, you'll now be able to express yourself with confidence and clarity. Just remember to be mindful of the context, be respectful of cultural differences, and have fun with the language. ¡Buena suerte!