מְטֻמְטָם
metumtam
The English word 'dumb' is expressed in Hebrew as מְטֻמְטָם (metumtam). Wiktionary also lists טִפֵּשׁ (tipesh).
Meaning: stupid (adj)
Ways to say it
| Hebrew | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| מְטֻמְטָם | metumtam |
| טִפֵּשׁ | tipesh |
These terms are used to describe someone or something that lacks intelligence.
Which one should you use?
The word טִפֵּשׁ is the standard, most common way to say 'stupid' and can be used in a wide range of contexts. In contrast, מְטֻמְטָם is more intense and carries a stronger connotation of being 'dumb' or 'idiotic' compared to the more general טִפֵּשׁ.
How does it change in a sentence?
Hebrew adjectives change based on the gender and number of the subject. For the word טִפֵּשׁ, use טִפְשָׁה for a female subject and טִפְשִׁים for a masculine plural or mixed-gender group.
How do you pronounce it?
metumtam
Did you know?
- The word מְטֻמְטָם shares a linguistic root with the concept of 'bluntness' or 'dullness', evoking the image of a tool that has lost its edge.
- The root of the word טִפֵּשׁ appears in the Bible, where it is used to describe a 'fool' in a moral or spiritual sense rather than a lack of IQ.
- If you call an idea טִפְשִׁית, you are using a feminine adjective to match the Hebrew word for 'idea', even if the person who had the idea is male.
Examples in context
- הָאִישׁ הַזֶה הוּא טָפֵשׁ מְאוֹדThis man is very dumb.
- אל תהיה מְטֻמְטָם ככה.al tihye metutmat kacha.Don't be so dumb.
- הוא נשמע מְטֻמְטָם מאוד.hu nishama metutmat me'od.He sounds very dumb.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a bad decision.
- עגור Adiנועם, למה קנית את זה?Noam, lama kanita et ze?Noam, why did you buy this?
- נועם Noamחשבתי שזה היה מבצע טוב.Chashavti sheze haya mivtza tov.I thought it was a good deal.
- עגור Adiזה פשוט מְטֻמְטָם, זה לא עובד.Ze pashut metumtam, ze lo oved.It's just dumb, it doesn't work.
- נועם Noamאת צודקת, עגור. אני אתחרט על זה.At tzodeket, Agur. Ani atcharat al ze.You're right, Agur. I'll regret this.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dumb” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
