A simple red toy wagon resting on a smooth path. One of its wheels is a large, perfectly square shape, illustrating the concept of nonsense or foolishness.

tonterías

tohn-teh-REE-ahs

nounfA2

nonsense?when talking about foolish words or ideas,silly things?when talking about childish actions or toys

Also:foolishness?as a general trait,rubbish?informal dismissal of an idea

📝 In Action

Por favor, deja de decir tonterías y habla en serio.

Please stop talking nonsense and speak seriously.

Siempre pierdes el tiempo con esas tonterías en internet.

You always waste time with those silly things on the internet.

Cuando le pregunté por el dinero, me salió con un montón de tonterías.

When I asked him about the money, he gave me a bunch of rubbish/excuses.

Word Connections

Synonyms

estupideces (stupid things)
bobadas (silly things)
chorradas (rubbish (Spain))

Antonyms

cosas serias (serious things)

Common Collocations

decir tonterías – to say nonsense
un montón de tonterías – a load of nonsense

Idioms & Expressions

Dejémonos de tonterías. – Let's cut the nonsense/Let's stop messing around.

💡 Grammar Points

Always Plural

Even though 'tonterías' translates to the singular idea 'nonsense' in English, Spanish nearly always uses the plural form 'tonterías' to talk about foolish ideas or silly actions in general.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using the Singular for General Foolishness

Mistake: "No digas *tontería*."

Correction: No digas *tonterías*. The singular form (*tontería*) is used only for one specific silly act or item, while the plural covers general foolishness or talk.

⭐ Usage Tips

Expressing Frustration

Use '¡Qué tonterías!' to express annoyance or dismissal, similar to saying 'What rubbish!' or 'That's ridiculous!'

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: tonterías

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'tonterías' to dismiss a friend's ridiculous plan?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

tonto(silly, stupid) - adjective

tontería(a silly thing/act (singular)) - noun

tontear(to fool around) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'tontería' (singular) and 'tonterías' (plural)?

While 'tontería' refers to one specific silly action or object ('That was a silly thing to do'), 'tonterías' is much more common and is used generally to mean 'nonsense,' 'foolish behavior,' or 'silly talk' as a category.