How to Say "jester" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “jester” is “payaso” — use this word for any entertainer who makes people laugh, especially in a party or circus setting, and it can also refer to a historical entertainer.
English → Spanish
payaso
pah-YAH-sohpaˈʝa.so
nounA1general
Use this word for any entertainer who makes people laugh, especially in a party or circus setting, and it can also refer to a historical entertainer.
Examples
El payaso hizo reír a todos los niños en la fiesta.
The clown made all the children laugh at the party.
Su disfraz de payaso tenía una nariz roja muy grande.
His clown costume had a very large red nose.
Gender and Plural
Since 'payaso' ends in -o, it is masculine. To talk about a female clown, use 'payasa'. The plural is formed by adding -s: 'los payasos'.
bufón
nounB2historical, formal
This term specifically refers to the historical professional entertainer found in royal courts, known for their wit and sometimes criticism.
Examples
El bufón de la corte era el único que podía criticar al rey.
The court jester was the only one who could criticize the king.
Choosing Between Payaso and Bufón
Learners often confuse these terms by using 'payaso' for historical court jesters. Remember that 'bufón' is the specific word for a court entertainer, while 'payaso' is a more general term for a clown or entertainer, often associated with circuses or parties.
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