Which one should you use?
While sono stupido is the standard way to state this, other variations exist depending on the level of intensity and the speaker's gender. For example, Sono un cretino or Sono una cretina translates to "I am an idiot" or "I am a complete fool". To express that you were being silly or dumb in a more colloquial way, you can use Sono scemo or Sono scema. Additionally, if you want to say "I was really stupid", you would use Sono stato/a proprio stupido/a.
How does it change in a sentence?
The ending of the adjective must agree with the gender of the person speaking. A masculine speaker uses sono stupido, while a female speaker must use the feminine form sono stupida.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈso.no ˈstu.pi.do/. The word has 5 syllables and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- While stupido is the dictionary term, Italians frequently use the word ottuso to describe someone who is 'stupid' in the sense of being mentally slow or stubborn.
- In many Italian regions, calling someone scemo can even be used among friends as a form of affectionate teasing.
- The word stupido shares a root with the English word 'stupid', both deriving from the Latin stupidus, which originally meant 'stunned' or 'amazed'.
Examples in context
- Sono stupido.I am stupid.This example shows the use of the phrase sono stupido.Tatoeba #5927993 by dnnywld, translation #8119126 by Adelpa
- A volte sono stupido.Sometimes I am stupid.
- Non l'ho capito, sono stupido.I didn't understand it, I am stupid.
Example conversation
Matteo realized he made a silly mistake at work.
- MatteoHo dimenticato le chiavi, sono stupido.I forgot the keys, I am stupid.
- MartinaNon dire così, Matteo.Don't say that, Matteo.
- MatteoÈ un errore da stupido.It is a stupid mistake.
- MartinaCapita a tutti.It happens to everyone.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (sono, stupido) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sono, stupido, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
