Inklingo

estúpido

eh-STOO-pee-doh/esˈtu.pi.ðo/

estúpido means stupid in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

stupid

Also: dumb, idiotic
AdjectivemB1informal
General
A cartoon man attempting to hammer a nail into a wall using a fluffy pillow instead of a hammer, showing a lack of common sense or a stupid idea.

📝 In Action

Esa fue una idea estúpida.

B1

That was a stupid idea.

Me sentí muy estúpido cuando me di cuenta de mi error.

B1

I felt very stupid when I realized my mistake.

No hagas preguntas estúpidas.

B2

Don't ask stupid questions.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • tonto (silly, foolish (milder))
  • necio (foolish, stubborn)
  • idiota (idiotic (very strong))

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • una idea estúpidaa stupid idea
  • un comentario estúpidoa stupid comment
  • sentirse estúpidoto feel stupid

stupid person

Also: idiot, fool
NounmB2slang
A cartoon figure sitting on a stool wearing a tall, conical dunce cap, looking confused or bewildered, symbolizing a foolish person.

📝 In Action

¡No seas un estúpido! Piensa en las consecuencias.

B2

Don't be an idiot! Think about the consequences.

Ese político es un estúpido, no sabe nada.

B2

That politician is a stupid person, he doesn't know anything.

La estúpida de mi jefa me culpó por su error.

C1

My idiot boss (female) blamed me for her mistake.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • idiota (idiot)
  • imbécil (imbecile)

Antonyms

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "estúpido" in Spanish:

stupid person

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: estúpido

Question 1 of 1

Which of these words is the mildest and closest to 'silly' in Spanish?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
estupidez(stupidity)Noun
estúpidamente(stupidly)Adverb
🎵 Rhymes
cupidolíquido
📚 Etymology

Comes from the Latin word 'stupidus', which meant 'struck senseless' or 'amazed'. It's related to the Latin verb 'stupēre', meaning 'to be stunned or dazed'. So, at its root, it describes someone who is so slow they seem stunned.

First recorded: Around the 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: stupidFrench: stupideItalian: stupido

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between 'estúpido' and 'tonto'?

'Estúpido' is a much stronger and more offensive word than 'tonto'. Think of 'tonto' as meaning 'silly' or 'foolish', which can sometimes be used playfully. 'Estúpido' means 'stupid' in a harsh, insulting way, implying a genuine lack of intelligence. Be very careful using 'estúpido'.

Is 'estúpido' a swear word?

It's not a swear word in the same way as words related to profanity, but it is a very strong and offensive insult. It's definitely not something you would say in a professional or polite setting.