11 Easy Ways To Say "Stupid" In Spanish - WikiHow

Skip to ContentQuizzes

• PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
• QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
• LOG IN

  Log in

  Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. Facebook Google wikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
• RANDOM

• Home
• Random
• Browse Articles
• TrendingNew
• Quizzes & Games
• All QuizzesHot
• Love Quizzes
• Personality Quizzes
• Fun Games
• Dating Simulator
• Learn Something New
• Forums
• Courses
• Happiness Hub
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow

• Log in / Sign up

Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

• Categories
• Education and Communications
• World Languages
• Spanish
• Pronouncing Spanish

How to Say "Stupid" in Spanish Download Article Find the perfect Spanish insult for any situation Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Estúpido (ess-TOO-pee-doh) 2 Idiota (eed-ee-OH-tah) 3 Imbécil (eem-BAY-seel) 4 Tonto (TAWN-toh) 5 Bobo (BO-bo) 6 Lelo (LAY-loh) 7 Menso (MEN-soh) 8 Tarado (tar-AH-doh) 9 Mentecato (men-tay-CA-toh) 10 Güey (WEY) 11 Pendejo (pen-DAY-ho) + Show 8 more... - Show less... Other Sections Related Articles References Co-authored by Carlos Valverde Ochando and Nihal Shetty

Last Updated: November 13, 2025 Fact Checked

Download Article X

This article was co-authored by Carlos Valverde Ochando and by wikiHow staff writer, Nihal Shetty. Carlos Valverde Ochando is an English and Spanish teacher and content creator based in Granada, Spain. With over 12 years of experience, Carlos currently works as a high school teacher in Spain after recently returning from a dual-language exchange program in the US. He also creates content focused on making Spanish more accessible and authentic for learners, with an emphasis on slang, accents, and regional expressions across various Spanish-speaking regions. He is especially well-versed in Spain Spanish, Argentinian Spanish, and Mexican Spanish. Carlos has a degree in English Studies from the University of Granada and a Master’s in Secondary Education Teacher Training. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 42,653 times.

Spanish has an incredibly rich vocabulary, which includes its insults. So how do you poke fun at someone’s intelligence en español? There are plenty of ways, as it turns out, and we’re here to show you all of them. We’ll keep you from sounding like a tonto with this complete guide on how to say “stupid” in Spanish.

“Stupid” Words in Spanish at a Glance

• Estúpido/a: Stupid[1]
• Idiota: Idiot
• Lelo or Güey: Dumb or dull
• Imbécil: Imbecile or moron
• Bobo: Silly

Steps

1

Estúpido (ess-TOO-pee-doh)

Download Article

1. This is the standard translation of “stupid.” It has a similar level of offensiveness as its English counterpart, meaning you should be careful when using it to describe people who aren’t close friends that can take a joke.[2]
   • “Estúpido” is an adjective, which in Spanish means that it changes form depending on the gender of the noun it’s describing. When describing a male noun, use “estúpido,” and for female nouns, use “estúpida.”
   • “No me importa ese estúpido trofeo.” (no may eem-POR-ta ESS-eh ess-TOO-pee-doh tro-FAY-oh): “That stupid trophy doesn’t matter to me.”
   • “Ana no es estúpida como aparenta.” (AN-a no ess ess-TOO-pee-dah COH-mo ap-ah-REN-tah): “Anna isn’t as stupid as she seems.”
Advertisement

2

Idiota (eed-ee-OH-tah)

Download Article

1. This words means what it sounds like in English: “idiot.” If you’re driving in a busy Spanish-speaking city, you might hear this word shouted out of windows by angry drivers. Calling someone an “idiota” can be quite offensive, so use it carefully.[3]
   • As a noun, “idiota” can refer to either a male or female.[4] Adjectives and articles describing this noun can give a clue as to its gender: “un idiota” (oon eed-ee-OH-tah) means “an idiot (male)” and “una idiota” (OON-ah eed-ee-OH-tah) means “an idiot (female).”
   • “Debes suponer que soy una idiota.” (DEH-bess soo-PON-ehr kay soy OON-ah eed-ee-OH-tah): “You must be betting I’m an idiot.”
   • “Ese doctor es un idiota” (ESS-eh doc-TOR ess oon eed-ee-OH-tah): “That doctor is an idiot.”

3

Imbécil (eem-BAY-seel)

Download Article

1. This word directly translates to “imbecile” or “moron.” Like its English equivalents, it’s quite offensive, so be careful when using it. Although you might be able to get away with using it in an affectionate way, this would likely only work if you’re very close to the person you’re talking to.[5]
   • “Eres un imbécil, pero también simpático.” (ER-ess oon eem-BAY-seel, PEH-ro tam-bee-EN seem-PAH-tee-co): “You’re a moron, but also pretty nice.”
   • “Llevo tres horas esperando como un imbécil.” (YE-vo tray-ss OR-ahs CO-mo oon eem-BAY-seel): “I’ve been waiting three hours like a moron.”
Advertisement

4

Tonto (TAWN-toh)

Download Article

1. This Spanish word directly translates into “fool.” This is one of the less offensive ways to call someone stupid in Spanish, and is often used in an affectionate way.[6] This word can be used as either an adjective or as a noun—in either case, the masculine form is “tonto,” and the feminine form is “tonta.”[7]
   • “Creo que me veo tonto.” (CRAY-oh kay may VAY-oh TAWN-toh): “I think that I look foolish.”
   • “Serias una tonta si no aceptaras.” (“ser-EE-ahs OON-ah TAWN-tah see no asep-TAR-ahs): “You’d be a fool if you don’t accept.”

5

Bobo (BO-bo)

Download Article

1. This is an affectionate term, similar to the English word “dummy.” If someone calls you a “bobo,” they usually don’t mean to hurt your feelings. This is a safe option to use if you want to lightly poke fun at someone’s intelligence without being offensive.[8]
   • “Jacobo, no haga el bobo.” (hak–OH-bo, no AG-ah el BO-bo): “Jacobo, don’t be silly.”
   • “Soy un bobo, como tú.” (soy oon BO-bo, CO-mo too): “I’m a dummy, like you.”
Advertisement

6

Lelo (LAY-loh)

Download Article

1. This is a mildly offensive term for someone who’s “thick” or “dull.” It can also be used to mean “stunned,” as in “Quede lelo” (KAY-day LAY-loh), or “I was stunned.” Saying this word to refer to someone who isn’t very smart is also an acceptable usage, however.[9]
   • “El es más lelo que Milhouse.” (el ess mahs LAY-loh kay MEEL-house): “He’s more dull than Milhouse.”
   • “Dudo que me ascendieran porque me creían un lelo.” (doo-doh kay may ahs-send-ee-ER-an por-KAY may cray-EE-an oon LAY-lo): “I doubt that they promoted me because they thought I was dumb.”

7

Menso (MEN-soh)

Download Article

1. This is a Latin American term for “stupid.” It’s particularly popular in Mexico, but if you use this word, people across Latin America should be able to understand you.[10] This word’s offensiveness depends on your tone: it can mean “stupid” if you say it in a serious way, but “silly” if you use a lighter tone.[11]
   • “No seas menso.” (no SAY-ahs MEN-soh): “Don’t be stupid.”
   • “¡Qué menso eres!” (kay MEN-soh EHR-ess): “You’re so silly!”
Advertisement

8

Tarado (tar-AH-doh)

Download Article

1. This is a term for a stupid person in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. In English, it literally translates to a slur for people with mental disabilities. You may also encounter this word in other Spanish-speaking countries, but it’s most commonly used in South America.[12]
   • “Todo es su culpa, tarado.” (TOW-do ess soo CUL-pa, tar-AH-do): “It’s all your fault, idiot.”
   • “Si, puedes que seas un tarado, pero eres nuestro tarado.” (see, pu-EH-dess kay SAY-ahs oon tar-AH-doh, PEH-ro EHR-ess noo-ESS-tro tar-AH-do): “Yeah, you can be a dummy, but you’re our dummy.”

9

Mentecato (men-tay-CA-toh)

Download Article

1. This word means “foolish” or “goofy” in countries like Spain and Venezuela. It’s similar to “tonto” in its offensiveness, meaning that it’s often used in an affectionate way. If you’re looking for a less hurtful way of poking fun at someone, try this word out.[13]
   • “El es un poco mentecato, ¿verdad?” (el ess oon PO-co men-tay-CA-toh, VER-dahd?): “He’s a little goofy, isn’t he?”
   • “Don Quijote no es el mentecato que pretende ser.” (don key-HO-tay/key-SHO-tay no ess el men-tay-CA-toh kay pre-TEN-day sehr): “Don Quixote is not the fool he pretends to be.”
Advertisement

10

Güey (WEY)

Download Article

1. This is the Mexican Spanish equivalent of “dude” in American English. However, it does get used to mean “stupid” quite often. Like “dude” in American English, “güey” is a very common way for men to refer to each other. By using it in certain sentences, however, it’s a light, affectionate way of calling someone a dummy.[14]
   • “¡Qué güey!” (KAY wey): “What an idiot!”
   • “¡No te hagas güey!” (no tey AG-as wey): “Don’t act dumb!”

11

Pendejo (pen-DAY-ho)

Download Article

1. “Pendejo” is considered mild profanity, and literally means “pubic hair.” However, it’s more commonly used to mean “stupid person” or an English curse word for “jerk.” Although this word can be used affectionately between friends, since it is technically a Spanish curse word, try to stay away from using it with people you don’t know too well.[15]
   • “¡Pedro, eres un pendejo!” (PAY-dro, EHR-ess oon pen-DAY-ho): “Pedro, you’re an jerk!”
   • “Nadie crees que eres un pendejo.” (NAH-di-eh CRAY-ess kay ER-ess oon pen-DAY-ho): “Nobody thinks you’re a jerk.”
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

70+ Puerto Rican Slang Words to Help You Sound Boricua How to Call Someone Cute in Spanish in a Casual, Flirty, or Romantic Way “I Love You” in Spanish: 60+ Ways to Express Affection to Anyone How toSay Dad in Spanish How to Say "Poop" in Spanish 80+ Sweet and Romantic Spanish Terms of Endearment How toSay Awesome in Spanish What Does Torta Mean on TikTok and Social Media? 110+ Funny Insulting Names for Friends & Loved Ones How to Insult Kids, Adults, & Your Worst Enemies 13 Casual & Formal Ways to Reply to “¿Cómo estás?” What Does ‘No Mames’ Mean in Mexican Slang? 120+ Sick Old-Timey Burns from the Medieval Period & Beyond How to Call a Woman Beautiful in Spanish: 22+ Terms & Phrases Advertisement

References

1. ↑ Carlos Valverde Ochando. English and Spanish Teacher. Expert Interview
2. ↑ https://discoverdiscomfort.com/stupid-in-spanish/
3. ↑ https://discoverdiscomfort.com/stupid-in-spanish/
4. ↑ Carlos Valverde Ochando. English and Spanish Teacher. Expert Interview
5. ↑ https://discoverdiscomfort.com/stupid-in-spanish/
6. ↑ Carlos Valverde Ochando. English and Spanish Teacher. Expert Interview
7. ↑ https://www.npca.org/articles/1518-how-a-spectacular-park-got-its-dumb-name
8. ↑ https://context.reverso.net/translation/spanish-english/bobo
9. ↑ https://context.reverso.net/translation/spanish-english/lelo

More References (6)

10. ↑ Carlos Valverde Ochando. English and Spanish Teacher. Expert Interview
11. ↑ https://www.spanishdict.com/translate/el%20menso
12. ↑ https://context.reverso.net/translation/spanish-english/tarado
13. ↑ https://context.reverso.net/translation/spanish-english/mentecato
14. ↑ https://mexicoliveitloveit.wordpress.com/2014/02/12/what-the-heck-does-that-guey-word-mean-anyway/
15. ↑ Carlos Valverde Ochando. English and Spanish Teacher. Expert Interview

About This Article

Co-authored by: Carlos Valverde Ochando Spanish Language Teacher This article was co-authored by Carlos Valverde Ochando and by wikiHow staff writer, Nihal Shetty. Carlos Valverde Ochando is an English and Spanish teacher and content creator based in Granada, Spain. With over 12 years of experience, Carlos currently works as a high school teacher in Spain after recently returning from a dual-language exchange program in the US. He also creates content focused on making Spanish more accessible and authentic for learners, with an emphasis on slang, accents, and regional expressions across various Spanish-speaking regions. He is especially well-versed in Spain Spanish, Argentinian Spanish, and Mexican Spanish. Carlos has a degree in English Studies from the University of Granada and a Master’s in Secondary Education Teacher Training. This article has been viewed 42,653 times. 15 votes - 49% Co-authors: 4 Updated: November 13, 2025 Views: 42,653 Categories: Pronouncing Spanish In other languagesPortuguese

• Print
• Send fan mail to authors

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 42,653 times.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Carlos Valverde Ochando Spanish Language Teacher 15 votes - 49% Click a star to vote 49% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 4 Updated: November 13, 2025 Views: 42,653

Quizzes & Games

How Well Do I Know Gen Z Slang QuizTake QuizGuess the Language QuizTake QuizDo I Have Brainrot QuizTake QuizGuess the Italian Brainrot Quiz (Level 3)Take QuizGuess the Italian Brainrot Animals Quiz (Level 2)Take QuizGuess the Italian Brainrot Animals QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

70+ Puerto Rican Slang Words to Help You Sound BoricuaHow to Call Someone Cute in Spanish in a Casual, Flirty, or Romantic Way“I Love You” in Spanish: 60+ Ways to Express Affection to AnyoneHow toSay Dad in Spanish

Featured Articles

What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)

Trending Articles

How Many People Had a Crush on Me This Year? Find Out HereWhat Song Was #1 On My Birthday?Best Personality TestDo I Have Common Sense QuizCompatibility Test10 Ways to Get Rid of a Hickey Fast

Featured Articles

What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasHow toExercise Your BrainHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?

Featured Articles

How toDevelop Productive HabitsHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality Test

Watch Articles

How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean)How to Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysHow toThicken Sauce with FlourHow to Brighten Up White Shirts and Other GarmentsHow to Cook White Rice without a Rice CookerHow to Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)

Trending Articles

What Am I Craving QuizHow toLose Belly Fat in 2 WeeksHow toKiss PassionatelyWhich Hogwarts House Do You Truly Belong In?Toxic Family TestDaily Horoscope (All Signs): What Do The Stars Predict Today?✩⟡˚₊‧

Quizzes & Games

Brainrot Translator TestTake QuizName the Meme QuizTake QuizWhich Italian Brainrot Am I QuizTake QuizHow Corny Am I QuizTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizImpossible English TestTake Quiz

• Categories
• Education and Communications
• World Languages
• Spanish
• Pronouncing Spanish

wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.

• Home
• About wikiHow
• Experts
• Jobs
• Contact Us
• Site Map
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info
• Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --605