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tonta

TOHN-tah/ˈton.ta/

“tonta” means “silly” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

silly, foolish

Also: dumb
A colorful storybook illustration of a young woman with a playful expression, crossing her eyes while attempting to balance a single pink flower on the tip of her nose.

📝 In Action

Mi hermana es muy tonta cuando tiene sueño.

A2

My sister is very silly when she is sleepy.

Hiciste una pregunta un poco tonta, pero no importa.

B1

You asked a slightly foolish question, but it doesn't matter.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • estúpida (stupid)
  • boba (silly)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • pregunta tonta – silly question
  • actitud tonta – foolish attitude

fool

Also: silly girl/woman
NounfB1informal
SpainMexico/Central America
A colorful storybook illustration of a woman looking confused as she tries to force a large square wooden block into a small round hole on a children's toy sorting box, illustrating a foolish action.

📝 In Action

Esa tonta se olvidó de las llaves otra vez.

B1

That fool forgot the keys again.

¡No seas tonta! Te están engañando.

B2

Don't be a fool! They are tricking you.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • boba (simpleton)
  • pava (silly person (colloquial))

Antonyms

  • genia (genius)

Idioms & Expressions

  • Hacerse la tonta – To play dumb / to feign ignorance

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: tonta

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'tonta' as a direct label (a noun)?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
tonto(foolish (masc.)) — Adjective / Noun
tontería(foolishness/silly thing) — Noun
atontar(to stun or daze) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
prontamonta
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from the older Spanish word *tonto*, which traces back to a Vulgar Latin root, likely imitating a hollow sound, perhaps suggesting an empty or dull mind. It appeared in Spanish with its modern meaning of 'lacking intelligence' many centuries ago.

First recorded: Medieval period (approx. 13th century)

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: tontaItalian (regional): tonto

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'tonta' always an insult?

No. While it can be a mean insult, especially if used angrily, it is often used affectionately or lightly between friends, meaning 'silly' or 'goofy.' Context and tone are everything!

What is the masculine equivalent of 'tonta'?

The masculine equivalent, used for boys or men, is 'tonto'.