tonto
/ˈtonto/
The Spanish word for dummy is tonto.
While the English word 'dummy' can mean a nonfunctional placeholder, the Spanish word tonto primarily means 'stupid' or 'foolish' when referring to a person.
Meaning: a deliberately nonfunctional placeholder (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, boludo/boluda is a widely used term that can be interpreted as dummy.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word tonto must agree in gender with the person being described, changing to tonta for a female.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtonto/
Did you know?
- The term tonto may be linked to the Latin word for 'to shear', suggesting a person who has been 'shorn' of their wits.
- In Argentina, the word boludo functions as a 'dummy' in a social sense, often used as a friendly and informal way to address a peer.
- The word tonto is considered much milder than more aggressive Spanish insults, functioning more like the English word 'silly'.
Examples in context
- No seas tonto, ¡estás cometiendo un error!Don't be a dummy, you're making a mistake!
- No seas bobo, necesitas prestar más atenciónDon't be a dummy, you need to pay more attention
- Eres un idiota si crees que eso funcionaráYou're a dummy if you think that will work
- No seas tonto y escucha lo que te estoy diciendoDon't be a dummy and listen to what I'm telling you
- Hazme caso, no hagas ninguna bobadaListen to me, don't do anything foolish
- ¡Eres un idiota si piensas que puedes ganarle!You're a dummy if you think you can beat him!
Example conversation
María and Javier are discussing a website mockup.
- MaríaJavier, ¿por qué no funciona el enlace?Javier, why isn't the link working?
- JavierEs que es un tonto por ahora.It's just a dummy for now.
- MaríaEntiendo, es solo para la vista.I see, it's just for the visual.
- JavierSí, lo activaré mañana.Yes, I will activate it tomorrow.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tonto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tonto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
