Inklingo

How to Say "stupidity" in Spanish

English → Spanish

estupidez

es-too-pee-DESestuˈpiðeθ

nounB1general
Use this word to describe the general quality or state of being foolish or unintelligent.
A colorful illustration of a confused character attempting a clearly illogical task: watering a small potted plant using an upside-down watering can.

Examples

No puedo creer la estupidez que dijo en la reunión.

I can't believe the stupid thing (or foolish remark) he said in the meeting.

La estupidez humana a veces me sorprende.

Human stupidity sometimes surprises me.

Cometimos una estupidez al salir sin paraguas.

We committed a foolish act by leaving without an umbrella.

Gender Rule for -ez

Most Spanish nouns that end in -ez are feminine, like 'estupidez' and 'rapidez' (speed). Always use 'la' or 'una' with them.

Using the wrong gender

Mistake: “El estupidez”

Correction: La estupidez. Remember that this noun is feminine, so use the article 'la'.

tontería

nounA2informal
Use this word to refer to something nonsensical, silly, or a lack of intelligence, often used more informally.

Examples

¡Deja de decir tonterías y escúchame!

Stop talking nonsense and listen to me!

idiotez

ee-dee-oh-tessi.ðjoˈteθ

nounB1general
Use this word to express the quality of being very stupid or to describe a particularly foolish action or remark.
A colorful storybook illustration of a silly person trying to fit a large square block into a small round hole.

Examples

¡Qué idiotez acabo de hacer!

What a stupid thing I just did!

No perdamos el tiempo con esa idiotez.

Let's not waste time with that nonsense.

Me da rabia haber fallado por una idiotez.

It makes me angry to have failed because of something so stupid.

Spelling Change in Plural

When you have more than one 'idiotez,' the 'z' at the end changes to a 'c' before adding '-es'. So, it becomes 'idioteces'.

Using 'Una' for Actions

In Spanish, we often say 'una idiotez' (a stupidity) to refer to a single specific action or remark, whereas in English we'd more likely say 'a stupid thing'.

Person vs. Action

Mistake: “Eres una idiotez.”

Correction: Eres un idiota.

barbaridad

bar-bah-ree-DAHDbaɾβaɾiˈðað

nounB2general
Use this word to describe a foolish or outrageous mistake, action, or statement that is shocking or excessive.
A silly dog wearing oversized glasses and a polka dot bowtie sitting at a tiny desk.

Examples

¡Qué barbaridad estás diciendo!

What nonsense are you talking!

Es una barbaridad que cierren el hospital.

It's outrageous that they are closing the hospital.

Cometió una barbaridad al dejar su trabajo sin tener otro.

He did something crazy by quitting his job without having another one.

The 'Exclamation' Pattern

Use '¡Qué barbarity!' on its own to react to almost anything shocking—good or bad.

Not just for 'bad' things

Mistake: “Thinking it only means 'cruelty'.”

Correction: Use it for anything excessive or silly.

Choosing Between 'Estupidez' and 'Tontería'

Learners often confuse 'estupidez' and 'tontería'. While both relate to foolishness, 'estupidez' is a more direct translation for the abstract quality of stupidity, whereas 'tontería' is more commonly used for specific nonsensical statements or silly actions.

Related Translations

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