How to Say "clumsy" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “clumsy” is “torpe” — use 'torpe' for general, everyday physical awkwardness, especially when someone frequently drops or breaks things.
torpe
TORE-pehˈtoɾpe
Examples
Mi primo es muy torpe y siempre se tropieza.
My cousin is very clumsy and always trips.
Mi hermano es muy torpe y siempre rompe los vasos.
My brother is very clumsy and always breaks the glasses.
Tiene unas manos torpes; no puede atarse los zapatos rápido.
He has awkward hands; he can't tie his shoes quickly.
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).
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.
bruto
broo-tohˈbɾuto
Examples
Ten cuidado con la caja, no seas tan bruto.
Be careful with the box, don't be so rough/clumsy.
No seas tan bruto, vas a romper el juguete.
Don't be so rough, you're going to break the toy.
¡Qué bruto soy! Olvidé las llaves adentro.
How stupid of me! I left the keys inside.
Changing for Gender
Remember to change the ending to 'bruta' if you are describing a woman or a feminine object.
Bruto vs. Grosero
Mistake: “Using 'bruto' to mean 'rude' in a polite sense.”
Correction: Use 'bruto' for someone who is rough or clumsy; use 'grosero' if they are being mean or impolite with words.
ganso
GAHN-soˈɡanso
Examples
Se cayó al levantarse, es un poco ganso.
He fell when he got up, he's a bit clumsy/awkward.
¡No seas ganso! Deja de decir tonterías.
Don't be silly! Stop talking nonsense.
Ese chico es un poco ganso, siempre está haciendo bromas.
That boy is a bit of a clown, he's always making jokes.
Se quedó ahí parado como un ganso sin hacer nada.
He just stood there like a lazy fool doing nothing.
Using it as a Noun
Even though it is an adjective, you can use it like a noun by saying 'un ganso' (a silly guy) or 'una gansa' (a silly girl).
Translation Trap
Mistake: “Saying 'él es un ganso' when you mean he is mean.”
Correction: 'Ganso' usually implies someone is silly or lazy, not necessarily mean or evil.
animal
a-ni-'mala.niˈmal
Examples
¡Qué animal eres! Casi tiras la sopa encima de mí.
How clumsy (or 'what an idiot') you are! You almost spilled the soup on me.
¡Qué animal! Rompió el jarrón por no mirar.
How clumsy (or 'what an idiot')! He broke the vase because he wasn't looking.
Este conductor es muy animal, va a 140 km/h en la ciudad.
This driver is very reckless, he’s going 140 km/h in the city.
Informal Adjective Use
When used this way, animal is often used as a descriptive noun/adjective that usually means 'reckless person' or 'oaf' and is applied directly to the person being criticized.
Using the literal meaning
Mistake: “Un policía le dijo que era un animal (expecting him to be literally a non-human creature).”
Correction: This is almost always hyperbole, meaning the person is acting wildly or irresponsibly, not that they are literally a beast.
tronco
TRON-koˈtɾoŋko
Examples
Soy un tronco bailando, mejor me siento.
I'm clumsy at dancing, I'd better sit down.
No puedo bailar salsa, soy un poco tronco.
I can't dance salsa, I'm a bit clumsy.
Describing yourself
Mistake: “Using 'estar' to mean you are naturally clumsy.”
Correction: Use 'ser' (e.g., 'soy un tronco') because you are describing a characteristic of your personality or ability.
Choosing between general awkwardness and specific contexts
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.