bodoh
/ˈbodoh/
The English word "idiot" can be translated into Indonesian as bodoh.
bodoh is used to describe a person of low general intelligence.
Meaning: person of low general intelligence (noun)
Which one should you use?
While bodoh can mean "stupid" as an adjective, it is frequently used as a noun to mean "an idiot" in casual speech. You can also use the phrase si bodoh to mean "the idiot" or "the stupid one" by adding the particle si before the word.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to refer to the concept of stupidity, use the noun kebodohan. To express being deceived or made to look foolish, use the passive verb form dibodohkan.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbodoh/
Did you know?
- While bodoh means 'stupid', it is closely related to the Sanskrit-derived root for 'wisdom' or 'enlightenment', creating a linguistic irony.
- Indonesian has a specific word, telmi, which is a slang acronym for 'telat mikir' meaning 'slow to think', used as a softer way to call someone an idiot.
- While bodoh is the standard term, Indonesians often use the word bego in very casual settings to call someone an idiot.
Examples in context
- Aku merasa seperti orang bodoh.I felt like an idiot.This sentence is useful for expressing how you felt like an idiot using bodoh.Tatoeba #4607233 by Bilmanda, translation #1923237 by Spamster
- Kamu memang seorang yang bodoh.You really are an idiot.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is an idiot using bodoh.Tatoeba #11227112 by Pi31415i, translation #4753759 by garborg
- Bodoh!Idiot!This sentence is useful for calling someone an idiot using bodoh.Tatoeba #11783132 by Pacific, translation #693617 by thedowntowncanon
- Dia adalah bos yang bodohHe is a foolish boss
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Adi and Indah are discussing a very obvious mistake.
- AdiAku tidak bisa percaya aku melakukan kesalahan itu.I can't believe I made that mistake.
- IndahHanya orang bodoh yang melakukan itu, Adi.Only an idiot would do that, Adi.
- AdiJangan panggil aku bodoh!Don't call me an idiot!
- IndahMaaf, aku hanya bercanda.Sorry, I was only joking.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “idiot” translations and entries bodoh, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
