Inklingo

How to Say "moron" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “moron” is “idiota” — use 'idiota' for a general, common way to call someone foolish or stupid, often used in exasperation or mild frustration. It's widely understood and can range from playful to quite insulting depending on tone..

English → Spanish

idiota

/ee-dee-OH-tah//iˈðjota/

nounB1informal
Use 'idiota' for a general, common way to call someone foolish or stupid, often used in exasperation or mild frustration. It's widely understood and can range from playful to quite insulting depending on tone.
A cartoon character attempting to hammer a nail into a wooden plank using a bright yellow banana instead of a hammer, looking utterly confused and foolish.

Examples

¡No seas idiota! Cuidado con el coche.

Don't be an idiot! Watch out for the car.

Mi hermano a veces es un idiota, pero lo quiero.

My brother is an idiot sometimes, but I love him.

A Noun for Everyone

Unlike many Spanish nouns, 'idiota' can be used for both men and women. You just change the little word in front: 'el idiota' (for a male) and 'la idiota' (for a female).

Using in the Wrong Situation

Mistake: “Using 'idiota' in a formal or professional setting, thinking it's a mild word.”

Correction: This word is a strong insult. Save it for very informal situations, or when you're genuinely angry. Otherwise, it can be very offensive.

cretino

/kreh-TEE-noh//kɾeˈtino/

nounB1informal
Choose 'cretino' when you want to describe someone as a foolish or stupid person, implying a lack of intelligence or common sense. It's a common insult and generally considered more offensive than 'idiota'.
A cartoon figure looking puzzled while holding a banana up to their ear as if it were a phone receiver.

Examples

Ese cretino olvidó apagar las luces otra vez.

That idiot forgot to turn off the lights again.

No seas cretina y piensa antes de hablar.

Don't be an idiot (f.) and think before you speak.

Gender Matching

Like many nouns that describe people, 'cretino' changes based on the person's gender: 'el cretino' (male) or 'la cretina' (female).

retrasado

/re-trah-SAH-doh//re.tɾaˈsaðo/

adjectiveC1highly derogatory
Use 'retrasado' only in highly informal and offensive contexts to call someone extremely stupid or slow-witted. Be aware that this term can be deeply insulting and may carry ableist connotations.
A simple cartoon character looking puzzled while trying to force a large square peg into a small round hole, symbolizing foolishness.

Examples

¡Qué retrasado eres! ¿Cómo pudiste olvidar las llaves?

What an idiot you are! How could you forget the keys?

Choosing between 'idiota' and 'cretino'

Learners often confuse 'idiota' and 'cretino'. While both mean 'moron' or 'idiot', 'cretino' generally carries a stronger sense of foolishness and is often perceived as more offensive. 'Idiota' is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of situations, from mild frustration to a direct insult.

Related Translations

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