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How to Say "dummy" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “dummy” is “tonto” — use 'tonto' to describe someone who is acting foolishly or is generally considered silly or not very bright in an informal, often mild way..

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tonto

/TON-toh//ˈtonto/

nounB1informal
Use 'tonto' to describe someone who is acting foolishly or is generally considered silly or not very bright in an informal, often mild way.
A male character wearing a metal cooking pot upside down on his head instead of a hat, looking utterly confused and foolish.

Examples

No le hagas caso, es un tonto.

Don't pay attention to him, he's a fool.

¡Eres una tonta si crees esa mentira!

You're an idiot if you believe that lie!

El tonto del pueblo siempre contaba las mismas historias.

The village idiot always told the same stories.

Used as a Label

When you use 'tonto' as a noun, you are directly calling someone a fool. It's often preceded by 'un' or 'el' (e.g., 'Es un tonto'). Remember to use 'una tonta' or 'la tonta' for a female.

bobo

BOH-boh/ˈboβo/

nounA2informal
Use 'bobo' as a casual, somewhat stronger insult than 'tonto' for someone perceived as stupid or easily fooled.
An adult figure standing by a calm pond, attempting to fill a large, obviously leaky wooden bucket using a small, handheld fishing net, symbolizing a lack of judgment.

Examples

No seas un bobo; ¡te engañaron fácilmente!

Don't be a fool; they tricked you easily!

El bobo del pueblo es el que siempre cae en bromas pesadas.

The village simpleton is the one who always falls for practical jokes.

Using Articles

When 'bobo' is used as a noun (referring to a person), it often needs an article like 'el' or 'un': 'el bobo' (the fool), 'un bobo' (a fool).

burro

/BOO-rroh//ˈbu.ro/

nounB1informal
Choose 'burro' when you want to call someone an idiot or a blockhead, implying a lack of intelligence or a tendency to make silly mistakes.
A simple illustration of a person with a very confused expression holding a large square wooden block next to a small round hole, symbolizing a lack of intelligence.

Examples

¡Qué burro eres! ¿Cómo pudiste olvidar las llaves otra vez?

You idiot! How could you forget the keys again?

Ese examen era muy difícil, solo un burro lo suspendería.

That exam was very difficult, only a dummy would fail it.

Using 'Ser'

Use the verb 'ser' (to be) when calling someone this name: 'Eres un burro' (You are an idiot).

muñeco

nounB1
Use 'muñeco' when referring to a physical model or figure, such as a mannequin, a doll, or a practice dummy used in sports or first aid.

Examples

El museo exhibía un muñeco de cera de la reina.

The museum exhibited a wax figure/dummy of the queen.

Distinguishing 'Fool' from 'Model'

The most common mistake is using words like 'tonto', 'bobo', or 'burro' when you actually mean a physical object like a mannequin. Remember that 'muñeco' refers to a physical dummy or model, while the others refer to a person lacking intelligence.

Related Translations

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