tontería
“tontería” means “nonsense” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
nonsense
Also: foolishness, stupidity
📝 In Action
¡Deja de decir tonterías y escúchame!
A2Stop talking nonsense and listen to me!
No hagas una tontería como renunciar a tu trabajo.
B1Don't do something foolish like quitting your job.
Su discurso estaba lleno de tonterías sin sentido.
B2His speech was full of meaningless nonsense.
trifle
Also: small matter, silly item
📝 In Action
No te enfades por esa tontería; no es importante.
B1Don't get angry over that trifle; it's not important.
Gasta demasiado dinero en tonterías que no necesita.
B2He spends too much money on silly things he doesn't need.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "tontería" in Spanish:
silly item→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: tontería
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'tontería' to mean a 'minor problem or trifle,' rather than 'nonsense'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Formed from the adjective 'tonto' (foolish) and the common Spanish suffix '-ería,' which is used to create nouns that mean 'the quality or action related to the base word.' So, 'tontería' literally means 'the quality or act of being foolish.'
First recorded: 15th century
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Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'tontería' y 'estupidez'?
Both mean foolishness, but 'estupidez' (stupidity) is generally a much stronger and harsher word, implying a greater lack of intelligence or a much more serious mistake. 'Tontería' is often used gently for lighthearted silliness or minor errors.
If I say 'Está hablando tonterías,' does it mean he is saying one silly thing or many?
Even though 'tonterías' is plural, in this context, it usually refers to the general concept of 'nonsense' or 'silly talk,' which could be one continuous string of senseless comments or many small ones. It functions like the English abstract noun 'nonsense'.