Inklingo

How to Say "idiotic" in Spanish

English → Spanish

estúpido

adjectiveB1general
Use this common adjective to describe something extremely foolish or lacking sense, often referring to ideas or actions.

Examples

Esa fue una idea estúpida.

That was a stupid idea.

idiota

/ee-dee-OH-tah//iˈðjota/

adjectiveB1general
This adjective directly translates 'idiotic' and is used to describe a thing or action that is foolish or nonsensical.
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.

cretino

/kreh-TEE-noh//kɾeˈtino/

adjectiveB2general
Use this word to describe an action or idea that is particularly foolish, often implying 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'.

imbéciles

adjectiveB2general
This is the plural form used to describe multiple decisions or actions that were very foolish or lacking judgment.

Examples

Tomaron decisiones muy imbéciles.

They made very stupid decisions.

Estúpido vs. Idiota

Learners often confuse 'estúpido' and 'idiota' as they are both common translations for 'stupid' or 'idiotic'. While both are general, 'estúpido' is slightly more common and versatile for general foolishness, whereas 'idiota' can sometimes carry a stronger sense of personal foolishness when used directly about a person.

Related Translations

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