Inklingo
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torpe

/TORE-peh/

clumsy

A storybook illustration of a child looking surprised as they accidentally drop a small stack of colorful books onto the floor, depicting physical awkwardness.

When someone is physically awkward or prone to accidents, they are torpe (clumsy).

torpe(Adjective)

m/fA2

clumsy

?

physically awkward

,

awkward

?

lacking grace

Also:

gauche

?

socially or physically

📝 In Action

Mi hermano es muy torpe y siempre rompe los vasos.

A2

My brother is very clumsy and always breaks the glasses.

Tiene unas manos torpes; no puede atarse los zapatos rápido.

B1

He has awkward hands; he can't tie his shoes quickly.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • patoso (clumsy (informal))
  • desmañado (unskillful)

Antonyms

  • hábil (skillful)
  • ágil (agile)

Common Collocations

  • ser torpe con las manos – to be clumsy with one's hands
  • movimiento torpe – awkward movement

💡 Grammar Points

Adjectives Ending in -e

Since 'torpe' ends in -e, it is the same form whether you are describing a masculine or feminine person or thing: 'el chico torpe' (the clumsy boy) or 'la chica torpe' (the clumsy girl).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'ser' vs. 'estar'

Mistake: "Estar torpe (meaning temporarily clumsy or feeling unwell)."

Correction: Use 'Ser torpe' to describe someone's permanent characteristic (they are a clumsy person). Use 'Estar torpe' only if they are temporarily clumsy due to tiredness or illness.

⭐ Usage Tips

A Common Insult

While often used lightly, 'torpe' can be an insult, especially when describing mental ability. Use it carefully, or soften it with 'un poco torpe' (a little clumsy).

A storybook illustration showing a character looking confused while holding a square block, struggling to place it in a matching square hole in a wooden toy, symbolizing being slow-witted.

If someone is slow-witted or dull, they are described as torpe.

torpe(Adjective)

m/fB1

dull

?

slow-witted

,

slow

?

mentally slow to grasp things

Also:

obtuse

?

lacking intelligence or sensitivity

📝 In Action

Es un poco torpe para entender las instrucciones complejas.

B1

He is a bit slow when it comes to understanding complex instructions.

¡Qué torpe eres! Te dije que era la respuesta B, no la C.

B2

How dull you are! I told you it was answer B, not C.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • lento (slow)
  • necio (foolish)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • mente torpe – dull mind
  • respuesta torpe – clumsy/awkward answer (socially)

💡 Grammar Points

Used as a Noun

You can use 'torpe' as a noun to mean 'a clumsy person' or 'a fool': '¡No seas torpe!' (Don't be a fool!).

⭐ Usage Tips

Describing Actions

If you want to say something was done 'clumsily,' use the adverb 'torpemente': 'Lo hizo torpemente' (He did it clumsily).

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: torpe

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'torpe' to describe a lack of mental sharpness, rather than physical coordination?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

torpeza(clumsiness, awkwardness) - noun
torpemente(clumsily, awkwardly) - adverb

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make 'torpe' plural?

Since 'torpe' ends in a vowel, you just add '-s' to make it plural, regardless of gender: 'los chicos torpes' (the clumsy boys) and 'las chicas torpes' (the clumsy girls).

Is 'torpe' considered a mean word?

It depends on the context. If you use it to describe an accidental physical mistake, it's usually harmless. If you use it to call someone 'dull' or 'stupid,' it is definitely offensive.