Inklingo

How to Say "slow-witted" in Spanish

English → Spanish

lento

LEN-toh/'len.to/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'lento' when referring to a general, consistent mental slowness or a lack of quickness in processing information, similar to how you'd describe something physically slow.
A simple cartoon desktop computer unit sitting on a desk, illustrated with a large drop of sweat rolling down its side, symbolizing struggling and sluggish performance.

Examples

No seas lento, piensa más rápido.

Don't be slow-witted, think faster.

Mi conexión a internet está muy lenta hoy, no puedo descargar nada.

My internet connection is very sluggish today, I can't download anything.

Es un poco lento para captar las indirectas.

He is a bit slow to get the hints.

Permanent vs. Temporary Slowness

Mistake: “Using *estar* for inherent mental slowness (e.g., *Mi hijo está lento*).”

Correction: If you mean a person is naturally slow-witted, use *ser*: *Mi hijo es lento*. Use *estar* only to describe a temporary condition, like a slow internet connection (*Mi wifi está lenta*).

espeso

/eh-SPEH-soh//esˈpeso/

adjectiveB2informal
Use 'espeso' to describe a temporary state of mental fogginess or sluggishness, often due to lack of sleep, illness, or being overwhelmed, implying a temporary inability to think clearly.
A character looking confused with a small, soft grey cloud hovering directly over their head.

Examples

Después de la fiesta, me sentía espeso y no podía concentrarme.

After the party, I felt slow-witted and couldn't concentrate.

Hoy no he dormido bien y estoy un poco espeso.

I didn't sleep well today and I'm a bit slow/foggy.

¡Qué tío más espeso! No para de hablar de lo mismo.

What an annoying guy! He won't stop talking about the same thing.

Perdona, estoy espeso y no entiendo la explicación.

Sorry, my brain is foggy and I don't understand the explanation.

Temporary state

When describing mental slowness, we almost always use 'estar' because it's a temporary feeling, not a personality trait.

Thinking it means 'stupid'

Mistake: “Él es espeso.”

Correction: Él está espeso. Use 'estar' to mean someone is having a slow day; 'ser' might sound like you're calling them a 'heavy' or annoying person permanently.

Lento vs. Espeso: Temporary vs. General

Learners often confuse 'lento' and 'espeso' by using 'lento' for temporary fogginess. Remember, 'espeso' is best for a temporary state of mental dullness, while 'lento' implies a more persistent lack of mental speed.

Related Translations

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