Inklingo

How to Say "foolish" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “foolish” is “tonto” — use 'tonto' to describe something or someone lacking good sense or judgment, often in a lighthearted or less severe way, like a silly mistake or a simple-minded person.

tonto🔊A2

Use 'tonto' to describe something or someone lacking good sense or judgment, often in a lighthearted or less severe way, like a silly mistake or a simple-minded person.

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bobo🔊A2

Choose 'bobo' when referring to someone who is generally silly, simple, or lacks common sense, often implying a slightly more inherent or consistent lack of intelligence than 'tonto'.

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necio🔊B1

Use 'necio' when someone is stubbornly refusing to change their mind or actions, despite clear evidence or good reasons to do so; it implies a more willful or obstinate foolishness.

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idiota🔊B1

Employ 'idiota' to describe a decision, action, or idea that is extremely unwise, stupid, or shows a complete lack of judgment, often with a stronger negative connotation than 'tonto' or 'bobo'.

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estúpidasA2

Use 'estúpidas' (feminine plural) specifically to describe actions, ideas, or statements that are nonsensical, illogical, or very unintelligent. It often carries a strong sense of exasperation.

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imbécilesB2

Use 'imbéciles' (plural) to describe people or their actions/decisions that are extremely stupid, foolish, or lacking in intelligence, often implying a more severe or consequential level of foolishness.

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English → Spanish

tonto

TON-tohˈtonto

adjectiveA2general
Use 'tonto' to describe something or someone lacking good sense or judgment, often in a lighthearted or less severe way, like a silly mistake or a simple-minded person.
A young character standing indoors holding an open umbrella while sunlight streams through a window, illustrating a silly or foolish moment.

Examples

Fue una broma tonta, pero todos nos reímos.

It was a silly joke, but we all laughed.

No seas tonto, claro que puedes hacerlo.

Don't be silly, of course you can do it.

Me siento tonta por haber olvidado las llaves.

I feel foolish for having forgotten the keys.

Matching the Noun

Like many describing words in Spanish, 'tonto' changes to match the person or thing it's describing. Use 'tonto' for masculine things ('el niño tonto') and 'tonta' for feminine things ('la idea tonta'). For groups, use 'tontos' or 'tontas'.

Forgetting to Change the Ending

Mistake: “La chica es tonto.”

Correction: Say 'La chica es tonta.' Describing words almost always need to match the gender (masculine/feminine) of the noun they describe.

bobo

BOH-bohˈboβo

adjectiveA2general
Choose 'bobo' when referring to someone who is generally silly, simple, or lacks common sense, often implying a slightly more inherent or consistent lack of intelligence than 'tonto'.
A child giggling while wearing a brightly colored, oversized sock on their head like a hat, illustrating lighthearted silliness.

Examples

Mi hermano es muy bobo; siempre se ríe de sus propios chistes.

My brother is very silly; he always laughs at his own jokes.

No seas tan boba y revisa el contrato antes de firmar.

Don't be so foolish and check the contract before signing.

Fue una idea muy boba salir sin paraguas cuando estaba lloviendo.

It was a very silly idea to go out without an umbrella when it was raining.

Adjective Agreement

'Bobo' must change its ending to match the person it describes: 'bobo' for males and 'boba' for females. Use 'bobos' or 'bobas' for groups.

Confusing Ser and Estar

Mistake: “Using 'estar bobo'.”

Correction: Use 'ser bobo' (to be a silly person in general). You only use 'estar' if someone is temporarily stunned or dazed: 'Estaba bobo después del golpe' (He was dazed after the hit).

necio

NEH-syohˈnesjo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'necio' when someone is stubbornly refusing to change their mind or actions, despite clear evidence or good reasons to do so; it implies a more willful or obstinate foolishness.
A person trying to water a plant with an empty watering can while standing in the rain.

Examples

No seas necio, sabes que eso no es verdad.

Don't be foolish, you know that isn't true.

Fue una pregunta necia y nadie quiso responder.

It was a silly question and nobody wanted to answer.

A veces los jóvenes cometen errores necios por falta de experiencia.

Sometimes young people make foolish mistakes due to lack of experience.

Describing vs. Acting

Use 'ser necio' to describe someone who is generally a foolish person. Use 'estar necio' to describe someone who is just acting foolishly or being annoying in this specific moment.

Matching the Person

Even though the word ends in 'o', it must change to 'necia' if you are describing a girl or a woman.

The 'Nasty' Trap

Mistake: “Using 'necio' to mean 'nasty' (mean).”

Correction: Use 'desagradable' or 'malo' for 'nasty'. 'Necio' is about being silly or stubborn, not about being mean.

idiota

ee-dee-OH-tahiˈðjota

adjectiveB1general
Employ 'idiota' to describe a decision, action, or idea that is extremely unwise, stupid, or shows a complete lack of judgment, often with a stronger negative connotation than 'tonto' or 'bobo'.
A brightly colored bicycle resting on a flat surface, but instead of round wheels, it has large, impractical square wooden wheels, representing a stupid design.

Examples

Fue una decisión idiota vender el coche.

It was an idiotic decision to sell the car.

Me hizo una pregunta totalmente idiota.

He asked me a totally stupid question.

An Adjective That Doesn't Change Its Ending

'Idiota' is special because its ending doesn't change for masculine or feminine things. It's always 'idiota'. For example: 'un plan idiota' (a stupid plan) and 'una idea idiota' (a stupid idea).

Trying to Make it Masculine

Mistake: “Quiso hacer un chiste idioto.”

Correction: Say 'un chiste idiota'. The word 'idiota' always ends in '-a', even when it's describing a masculine noun.

estúpidas

adjectiveA2general
Use 'estúpidas' (feminine plural) specifically to describe actions, ideas, or statements that are nonsensical, illogical, or very unintelligent. It often carries a strong sense of exasperation.

Examples

Tus excusas son realmente estúpidas, no te creo.

Your excuses are really stupid, I don't believe you.

imbéciles

adjectiveB2general
Use 'imbéciles' (plural) to describe people or their actions/decisions that are extremely stupid, foolish, or lacking in intelligence, often implying a more severe or consequential level of foolishness.

Examples

Tomaron decisiones muy imbéciles.

They made very stupid decisions.

Tonto vs. Bobo vs. Necio

Learners often confuse 'tonto,' 'bobo,' and 'necio.' While all mean foolish, 'tonto' is the most general and often milder. 'Bobo' implies a simpler, perhaps more inherent silliness. 'Necio' suggests a stubborn or willful foolishness, resisting good sense.

Related Translations

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