burro
/ˈbu.ʁu/
The English word 'dumb' is translated into Portuguese as burro.
burro is used to describe someone as stupid or lacking intelligence. It is often used to imply that a person is slow to learn.
Meaning: stupid (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word burro literally means 'donkey', which is used metaphorically to mean 'dumb'.
Which one should you use?
While burro implies a lack of intelligence or being slow to learn, estúpido often implies being rude or behaving foolishly.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In northern Brazil, the diminutive Burrinho(a) is used as an affectionate way to refer to someone as 'silly' or 'dumb'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective burro must agree in gender with the person being described, using burra for females. The plural form for a group of males or a mixed group is burros. The plural form for a group of females is burras.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈbu.ʁu/. It has 2 syllables, with the stress on 1 of 2.
Did you know?
- The word burro is linked to the color of fire through its ancient roots. It actually evolved from a Greek word for 'flame colored' via a Latin term for 'red-brown'.
- Portuguese speakers use the same word burro to describe both a lack of natural intelligence and a stubborn refusal to learn.
- Because burro is a noun meaning 'donkey', it is used as an adjective in Portuguese without needing a word for 'like'.
Examples in context
- Tom não é burro.Tom isn't dumb.This sentence shows how to use burro in a negative statement about Tom.Tatoeba #5000724 by bill, translation #2236962 by CK
- Eu não sou burro.I'm not dumb.This sentence demonstrates a negative statement about oneself using burro.Tatoeba #4814927 by bill, translation #2248142 by CK
- Nós não somos burros.We aren't dumb.This sentence shows the masculine plural form burros in a negative statement about a group.Tatoeba #10657252 by DavidDias, translation #10131807 by CK
- O paciente é mudo e se comunica por meio de língua de sinais.The patient is dumb and communicates through sign language.
- Você é burro(a) por não entender algo tão simples.You are dumb for not understanding something so simple.
- Ela fez um comentário completamente sem-noção.She made a completely dumb comment.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rodrigo and Mariana are discussing a confusing riddle.
- RodrigoEu não consigo resolver isso, sou muito burro.I can't solve this, I'm very dumb.
- MarianaNão diga isso, Rodrigo, é apenas difícil.Don't say that, Rodrigo, it's just difficult.
- RodrigoMas parece tão simples, eu me sinto burro.But it seems so simple, I feel dumb.
- MarianaTente ler a pergunta de novo.Try reading the question again.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dumb” translations and entries burro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries burro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
