Inklingo

How to Say "idiotic" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “idiotic” is “estúpido” — use this common term for 'stupid' or 'foolish' to describe a bad idea or action, suitable for most general situations.

estúpidoB1

Use this common term for 'stupid' or 'foolish' to describe a bad idea or action, suitable for most general situations.

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idiota🔊B1

This is a direct cognate and a versatile option, applicable to describing an idiotic thing, action, or even a person.

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imbécilB1

Use this word when you want to express a stronger sense of foolishness or a particularly bad decision, implying a lack of sense.

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tarado🔊B1

This term describes a foolish action or a moment of personal silliness, often used colloquially to express self-deprecation.

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cretino🔊B2

This adjective is best used to describe an action or an idea that is foolish and displays a lack of intelligence or common sense.

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gilipollas🔊B2

Use this word to describe a situation or a question that is silly, absurd, or slightly annoying in its foolishness; it can also refer to a foolish person.

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imbécilesB2

This is the plural form of 'imbécil' and is used to describe multiple foolish decisions or actions made by more than one person.

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English → Spanish

estúpido

adjectiveB1general
Use this common term for 'stupid' or 'foolish' to describe a bad idea or action, suitable for most general situations.

Examples

Esa fue una idea estúpida.

That was a stupid idea.

idiota

ee-dee-OH-tahiˈðjota

adjectiveB1general
This is a direct cognate and a versatile option, applicable to describing an idiotic thing, action, or even a person.
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.

imbécil

adjectiveB1general
Use this word when you want to express a stronger sense of foolishness or a particularly bad decision, implying a lack of sense.

Examples

Fue una idea imbécil salir sin paraguas.

It was a stupid idea to go out without an umbrella.

tarado

tah-RAH-dohtaˈɾaðo

adjectiveB1informal
This term describes a foolish action or a moment of personal silliness, often used colloquially to express self-deprecation.
A colorful storybook illustration of a person trying to water a plant with a closed umbrella during a rainstorm.

Examples

¡Qué tarado soy! Me olvidé las llaves adentro.

I'm so stupid! I forgot my keys inside.

No seas tarado, no puedes saltar desde ahí.

Don't be an idiot, you can't jump from there.

Ese plan es totalmente tarado.

That plan is totally idiotic.

Matching the Person

Remember to change the ending to match who you are talking about. Use 'tarado' for a male and 'tarada' for a female.

Using with 'Ser' vs 'Estar'

Use 'ser tarado' to say someone is generally a fool. Use 'estar tarado' to say someone is acting crazy or stupid in a specific moment.

Using in formal settings

Mistake: “Calling your boss 'tarado' during a meeting.”

Correction: This is a slang term and can be offensive. Avoid using it in professional or formal environments unless you have a very close relationship with the person.

cretino

kreh-TEE-nohkɾeˈtino

adjectiveB2general
This adjective is best used to describe an action or an idea that is foolish and displays a lack of intelligence or common sense.
A person smiling foolishly while using a watering can to pour water directly onto a small fish swimming inside a glass bowl.

Examples

Fue una idea cretina cruzar la calle sin mirar.

It was an idiotic idea to cross the street without looking.

Su actitud cretina nos hizo perder el autobús.

His stupid attitude made us miss the bus.

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective, 'cretino' must match the noun it describes in both number (singular/plural) and gender (masculine/feminine). E.g., 'decisiones cretinas' (plural, feminine).

Using 'ser' vs. 'estar'

Mistake: “Using 'Está cretino' (He is temporarily acting stupid).”

Correction: Use 'Ser': 'Es cretino' (He is inherently/always an idiot). Traits that are considered defining characteristics usually use the verb 'ser'.

gilipollas

hee-lee-POY-yasxiliˈpoʎas

adjectiveB2informal
Use this word to describe a situation or a question that is silly, absurd, or slightly annoying in its foolishness; it can also refer to a foolish person.
A colorful storybook illustration of a person trying to fit a large square block into a small round hole.

Examples

Fue una pregunta un poco gilipollas.

It was a bit of a stupid question.

No digas cosas gilipollas.

Don't say idiotic things.

Me parece una idea bastante gilipollas.

I think it's a pretty dumb idea.

No Gender Change

Just like the noun, the adjective form stays the same for masculine or feminine things: 'un comentario gilipollas' (masculine) and 'una idea gilipollas' (feminine).

Wrong Verb Choice

imbéciles

adjectiveB2general
This is the plural form of 'imbécil' and is used to describe multiple foolish decisions or actions made by more than one person.

Examples

Tomaron decisiones muy imbéciles.

They made very stupid decisions.

Choosing Between 'estúpido', 'idiota', and 'imbécil'

Learners often get confused between 'estúpido', 'idiota', and 'imbécil'. While all mean foolish, 'estúpido' is the most general. 'Idiota' is a direct cognate and very common, while 'imbécil' often implies a stronger, more egregious lack of sense or a worse decision.

Related Translations

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