How to Say "idiocy" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “idiocy” is “estupidez” — use 'estupidez' when referring to a profound lack of sense or a particularly foolish remark or idea, often with a stronger connotation of disbelief.
estupidez
es-too-pee-DESestuˈpiðeθ
Examples
No puedo creer la estupidez que dijo en la reunión.
I can't believe the stupid thing (or foolish remark) 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
Examples
¡Qué idiotez acabo de hacer!
What a stupid thing 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.
Choosing Between 'Estupidez' and 'Idiotez'
Related Translations
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