bodoh
/ˈbodoh/
The Indonesian word for dumb is bodoh.
Bodoh is used as an adjective to describe someone or something that lacks intelligence or is stupid.
Meaning: stupid (adj)
Which one should you use?
While bodoh is a direct insult, kurang pintar is a much softer, more polite way to describe someone's lack of intelligence, as this translates to being "less smart." Additionally, tolol is a more aggressive, insulting and colloquial way to say someone is stupid compared to bodoh.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The most common and formal term for "dumb" in Indonesian is bodoh. In contrast, tolol is considered informal/slang and is much more insulting.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say someone is 'very dumb', you can add sekali after the adjective to get bodoh sekali. If you need the noun form to express "stupidity," use kebodohan.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbodoh/
Did you know?
- Although it means 'stupid', the root of bodoh is actually related to the concept of 'awakening' or 'awareness' in its original linguistic form.
- Indonesian speakers often avoid saying bodoh directly to someone's face to preserve malu, or social face, opting instead for indirect phrases.
- While English speakers often use 'dumb' to mean 'mute' or 'unable to speak', the Indonesian bodoh is strictly focused on intelligence and does not carry the meaning of being silent.
Examples in context
- Orang-orang bilang saya bodoh.People say I'm dumb.This sentence shows how to use bodoh to report what others say.Tatoeba #10932488 by joses, translation #7521985 by CK
- Aku bodoh.I am dumb.This sentence demonstrates a simple way to use bodoh to describe oneself.Tatoeba #12059141 by HAGNi, translation #10519002 by Adelpa
- Aku merasa bodoh.I felt dumb.This sentence shows the use of bodoh to describe a feeling or state of being.Tatoeba #4270695 by Bilmanda, translation #2342348 by Hybrid
- Dia tidak pernah berhasil dalam pekerjaannya karena dia terlalu bodoh.He never succeeds in his work because he is too dumb.
- Saya tidak dapat mempercayai ide bodoh itu.I cannot trust that dumb idea.
- Apakah kamu benar-benar bodoh atau hanya pura-pura?Are you really dumb or just pretending?
- Dia melakukan hal tolol ketika berjalan melewati jalan raya.He did a dumb thing by walking across the highway.
- Jangan berperilaku seperti orang tolol.Don't behave like a dumb person.
- Apa yang dia katakan sangat tolol.What he said was incredibly dumb.
- Dia adalah orang yang bego, tidak pernah mengerti apa pun.He's a dumb person, never understanding anything.
- Jangan bertingkah bego.Don't act dumb.
- Tindakanmu benar-benar bego!Your action is really dumb!
- Dia mengatakan hal yang goblok.He said something dumb.
- Saya tidak tahu mengapa dia bertingkah goblok seperti itu.I don't know why he acts dumb like that.
- Ayo, jangan kita menjadi bagian dari tololmania itu.Come on, let's not be part of that dumb crowd.
- Anak itu pintar dalam pelajaran, tapi kadang-kadang perilakunya bisa jadi GOBLOK.That child is smart in academics, but sometimes their behavior can be dumb.
- Jangan terlalu sering mengeluarkan lelucon GOBLOK seperti itu.Don't make dumb jokes too often.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Putri and Adi are talking about a difficult math exam.
- PutriSoal ujian ini sangat sulit.This exam question is very difficult.
- AdiAku merasa bodoh karena tidak bisa menjawabnya.I feel stupid because I couldn't answer it.
- PutriJangan berkata begitu, Adi.Don't say that, Adi.
- AdiTapi materinya benar-benar membingungkan.But the material is really confusing.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bodoh, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bodoh, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
