balordo
/baˈlor.do/masculine
The English word daft is translated into Italian as balordo. Wiktionary also lists balzano.
Meaning: foolish, silly (adj)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| balordo | /baˈlor.do/ | masculine |
| balzano | /balˈt͡sa.no/ | masculine |
The primary way to express being foolish or silly is through the term balordo. Depending on the context, you may also use the formal term insensato to mean senseless or foolish or the informal and slightly humorous term Pirla to describe someone as daft or foolish.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular form balordo can be changed to match gender and number: use balorda for feminine singular, balordi for masculine plural and balorde for feminine plural. Similarly, the masculine singular balzano has the feminine plural form balzane.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /baˈlor.do/. It consists of 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The Latin root balteus, related to balzano, refers to a belt, which may have linked the word to those who wore specific belts as a mark of low status.
- While balordo means foolish, in certain Italian regional dialects, it can also be used to describe someone who is physically clumsy or awkward.
Examples in context
- Non capisco perché il piano di marketing proposto sia così insensato. Non ha alcuna logica di base.I don't understand why the proposed marketing plan is so daft. It lacks any fundamental logic.
- Sono caduto dal tavolo cercando di raggiungere il biscotto! Sono proprio un ciuccio, non riesco mai a resistere alle tentazioni!I fell off the table trying to reach the cookie! I'm such a daft one, I can never resist temptation!
- Non fare il balordo.Don't be silly.
- È stato un comportamento davvero balordo.It was a truly foolish behavior.
- Quel ragazzo è un po' balordo.That boy is a bit daft.
Example conversation
Martina and Francesco are discussing a friend's strange decision.
- MartinaMarco ha fatto una scelta molto balorda.Marco made a very foolish choice.
- FrancescoSì, è stato un gesto davvero balordo.Yes, it was a truly silly gesture.
- MartinaNon capisco perché sia stato così balordo.I don't understand why he was so daft.
- FrancescoA volte è un po' balordo, lo sai.Sometimes he is a bit silly, you know.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “daft” translations and entries balordo, balzano, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries balordo, balzano, CC BY-SA 4.0.
