Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| torpe | /ˈtoɾpe/ | |
| patoso | /paˈtoso/ | |
| desmañado | /desmaˈɲado/ | |
| bruto | /ˈbɾuto/ | |
| taba | /ˈtaba/ | Peru |
| tropezar en lo parejo | /tɾopeθaɾ en lo paɾexo/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /tɾopesaɾ en lo paɾexo/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
verb |
The word clumsy can be expressed through several different terms depending on whether you are describing a lack of physical coordination, a lack of manual dexterity or a rough manner. You can use torpe for general awkwardness, while manazas is an informal noun used for a person who is specifically clumsy with their hands. For a more idiomatic verbal expression, tropezar en lo parejo can be used to describe the act of being clumsy.
Which one should you use?
While torpe refers to a general lack of coordination or grace, bruto implies being rough, heavy-handed or lacking refinement. For a person who lacks manual dexterity, the informal noun manazas is a common choice.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term torpe is the neutral option. For a more colloquial and slightly playful way to describe someone as clumsy, you can use patoso.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Peru, the word taba can be used to refer to a clumsy person.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective torpe is invariable in gender, so it remains the same regardless of whether the subject is masculine or feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtoɾpe/
Did you know?
- The English word 'turpitude', meaning wicked behavior, is a direct linguistic relative of the Spanish word torpe.
- The phrase tropezar en lo parejo literally translates to 'tripping on a level surface'. It is used to describe someone so clumsy they do not even need an obstacle to fall.
- In Spanish, the word manazas is used specifically for those who are clumsy with their hands. It is a playful augmentative of mano, meaning 'big hands'.
Examples in context
- Tom es viejo y torpe.Tom is old and clumsy.This sentence shows how to use torpe to describe a person's age and coordination.Tatoeba #5873869 by albrusgher, translation #2646392 by CK
- Camina de forma torpe.He has a clumsy walk.This sentence illustrates using torpe to describe a person's way of walking.Tatoeba #8308810 by arh, translation #9814485 by DJ_Saidez
- ¿Por qué eres tan torpe?Why are you so clumsy?This sentence shows how to ask a question using torpe.Tatoeba #4289945 by DarkHollow, translation #2955192 by CK
- Ana siempre es torpe al bailar.Ana is always clumsy when dancing.
- El niño desgarbado tropezó al caminar.The awkward boy stumbled while walking.
- Carlos siempre fue patoso, siempre rompía algo.Carlos was always clumsy, he would break something every time.
- ¡Qué patón sos! Siempre pisas todo.You're so clumsy! You always step on everything.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are in the kitchen after a glass broke.
- Lucía¡Lo siento! Soy muy torpe con los vasos.I'm sorry! I am very clumsy with glasses.
- DanielNo te preocupes, Lucía, no pasa nada.Don't worry, Lucía, it's nothing.
- LucíaSiempre rompo algo cuando ayudo.I always break something when I help.
- DanielA veces todos somos un poco torpes.Sometimes we are all a little clumsy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “clumsy” translations and entries torpe, patoso, desmañado, bruto, taba, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bruto, patoso, torpe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
