idiota
/iˈdjɔ.ta/feminine, masculine
The Italian word for idiot is idiota. Wiktionary also lists squasimodeo.
Meaning: person of low general intelligence (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| idiota | /iˈdjɔ.ta/ | feminine, masculine |
| squasimodeo | masculine |
The term is used to describe a person of low general intelligence.
Which one should you use?
idiota is the standard term, while squasimodeo is a masculine form used to describe an idiot.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word idiota can be used for both masculine and feminine singular subjects. When referring to a group of idiots consisting of males or a mixed-gender group, the plural is idioti. For a group consisting only of females, the plural is idiote.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /iˈdjɔ.ta/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- While 'idiota' is a common insult, it shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'idiom', as both stem from the idea of something being 'private' or 'peculiar' to a specific group.
- While idiota is a general term, Italians often use the word tonto to describe someone who is easily fooled or 'dense', which literally means 'blunt' or 'rounded'.
- In Italian, calling someone idiota can be a harsh insult or a playful tease depending on the inflection and the intimacy of the relationship.
Examples in context
- Tom è un idiota.Tom is an idiot.This sentence demonstrates how to use idiota to describe someone.Tatoeba #3395845 by Guybrush88, translation #2272951 by CK
- Non è un idiota.He's not an idiot.This sentence uses idiota in a negative context.Tatoeba #6537639 by Guybrush88, translation #840139 by papabear
- Tu sei un idiota!You're an idiot.This sentence shows how to address someone directly using idiota.Tatoeba #1124855 by Guybrush88, translation #461945 by tamsanh
- 239 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Chiara are arguing about a bad decision.
- FrancescoPerché hai fatto questo? Sei un idiota!Why did you do this? You are an idiot!
- ChiaraNon sono un idiota, Francesco!I am not an idiot, Francesco!
- FrancescoAllora spiega cosa stavi pensando.Then explain what you were thinking.
- ChiaraSemplicemente ho fatto un errore.I simply made a mistake.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “idiot” translations and entries idiota, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
