tonto
/ˈtonto/
The English word 'dumb' is translated into Spanish as tonto. Wiktionary also lists adundado and sandio.
Meaning: stupid (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| tonto | /ˈtonto/ |
| adundado | /adundado/ (from spelling rules) |
| sandio | /sandjo/ (from spelling rules) |
The term is used to describe someone who is stupid or foolish. While it can mean 'stupid', it is often used more lightly than the word 'estúpido' to mean 'silly' or 'foolish'. The related verb atontar means to make stupid.
Which one should you use?
adundado and sandio are other forms used to express similar ideas.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term pendejo/a is used primarily in Mexico and parts of Central America.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective tonto changes its ending to agree with the subject: tonta for a feminine subject, tontos for a masculine plural subject and tontas for a feminine plural subject. The phrase hacer el tonto is used to describe someone acting foolishly or pretending not to understand something.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtonto/
Did you know?
- The word tonto may have roots in the Latin word 'tondeo', which means 'to shear' sheep. This suggests the term could originally describe someone who has been 'shorn' or stripped of their wits.
- In some contexts, calling a child tontito (the diminutive of tonto) is an expression of affection rather than a critique of their intelligence.
- Unlike the English word 'dumb', which originally referred to an inability to speak, tonto has never had a primary meaning related to muteness.
Examples in context
- Él no es tonto.He is not dumb.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is not dumb using tonto.Tatoeba #5190160 by albrusgher, translation #1981738 by AryKiss
- No hagas el tonto.Don't play dumb!This sentence is useful for the expression 'Don't play dumb!' using tonto.Tatoeba #2351544 by Shishir, translation #138912 by fcbond
- Tom no es tan tonto.Tom isn't that dumb.This sentence is useful for expressing that someone is not that dumb using tonto.Tatoeba #5190189 by albrusgher, translation #2647487 by CK
- Esa persona es tontaThat person is dumb
- Es un comentario estúpidoIt's a dumb comment
- No deberías hacer ese tipo de preguntas tontasYou shouldn't ask such dumb questions
- Es una idea estúpida para resolver el problemaIt's a dumb idea to solve the problem
- No seas bobo, eso es fácilDon't be stupid, that's easy
- No seas bobo/a, todos podemos aprender esoDon't be dumb, we can all learn that
- ¡Eres un idiota!You're dumb!
- Deja de hacer comentarios idiotas, por favorStop making dumb comments, please
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are arguing about a decision.
- JavierEres una tonta, Sofía.You are a stupid woman, Sofía.
- Sofía¿Por qué me dices eso?Why are you saying that to me?
- JavierPorque tu idea es tonta.Because your idea is dumb.
- Sofía¡Eres un tonto, Javier!You are a dumb man, Javier!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dumb” translations and entries tonto, sandio, 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 tonto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
