Inklingo

How to Say "foolishness" in Spanish

English → Spanish

estupidez

es-too-pee-DESestuˈpiðeθ

nounB1general
Use this for a general lack of sense, intelligence, or good judgment, often implying a more significant or frustrating absence of reason.
A colorful illustration of a confused character attempting a clearly illogical task: watering a small potted plant using an upside-down watering can.

Examples

No puedo creer la estupidez que dijo en la reunión.

I can't believe the foolish remark (or stupid thing) he said in the meeting.

La estupidez humana a veces me sorprende.

Human stupidity sometimes surprises me.

Cometimos una estupidez al salir sin paraguas.

We committed a foolish act by leaving without an umbrella.

Gender Rule for -ez

Most Spanish nouns that end in -ez are feminine, like 'estupidez' and 'rapidez' (speed). Always use 'la' or 'una' with them.

Using the wrong gender

Mistake: “El estupidez”

Correction: La estupidez. Remember that this noun is feminine, so use the article 'la'.

idiotez

ee-dee-oh-tessi.ðjoˈteθ

nounB1general
This term refers to a specific act or statement that lacks good sense, often implying a mistake or a silly, ill-advised action.
A colorful storybook illustration of a silly person trying to fit a large square block into a small round hole.

Examples

¡Qué idiotez acabo de hacer!

What a stupid thing (or foolish act) I just did!

No perdamos el tiempo con esa idiotez.

Let's not waste time with that nonsense.

Me da rabia haber fallado por una idiotez.

It makes me angry to have failed because of something so stupid.

Spelling Change in Plural

When you have more than one 'idiotez,' the 'z' at the end changes to a 'c' before adding '-es'. So, it becomes 'idioteces'.

Using 'Una' for Actions

In Spanish, we often say 'una idiotez' (a stupidity) to refer to a single specific action or remark, whereas in English we'd more likely say 'a stupid thing'.

Person vs. Action

Mistake: “Eres una idiotez.”

Correction: Eres un idiota.

tontería

nounA2general
Use this for silliness, nonsense, or something trivial and not serious; it's often used for lighthearted foolishness or silly talk.

Examples

¡Deja de decir tonterías y escúchame!

Stop talking nonsense (or silly things) and listen to me!

Estupidez vs. Tontería

Learners often confuse 'estupidez' and 'tontería'. Remember that 'estupidez' implies a more serious lack of intelligence or judgment, while 'tontería' refers to silliness or trivial nonsense. Using 'tontería' for a genuinely foolish action can sound dismissive.

Related Translations

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