imbéciles
“imbéciles” means “idiots” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
idiots
Also: fools, morons
📝 In Action
¡Esos imbéciles no leyeron las instrucciones!
B1Those idiots didn't read the instructions!
No seas como los otros imbéciles; piensa por ti mismo.
B2Don't be like the other fools; think for yourself.
Las autoridades actuaron como verdaderos imbéciles.
C1The authorities acted like true idiots.
stupid
Also: idiotic, foolish
📝 In Action
Tomaron decisiones muy imbéciles.
B2They made very stupid decisions.
Sus comentarios fueron tan imbéciles que nadie los tomó en serio.
C1Their comments were so idiotic that nobody took them seriously.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: imbéciles
Question 1 of 1
If you want to call a single woman foolish, what is the correct word?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
This word comes from the Latin word *imbecillis*, which originally meant 'weak,' 'feeble,' or 'unsupported,' often referring to physical frailty. Over time, its meaning shifted in Spanish to refer specifically to intellectual weakness or lack of mental strength.
First recorded: 15th century (in Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'imbéciles' a strong insult?
Yes, 'imbéciles' is considered a strong, derogatory insult in most Spanish-speaking regions and should be used with caution, primarily in very informal or angry contexts.
Does 'imbéciles' ever mean 'physically weak'?
While the word's ancient Latin root meant 'physically weak,' in modern Spanish, 'imbéciles' almost exclusively refers to a lack of intelligence or mental foolishness, not physical strength.