idiot
masculine
The English word 'idiot' can be translated into Norwegian as idiot or narr.
Meaning: person of low general intelligence (noun)
Ways to say it
| Norwegian | Note |
|---|---|
| idiot | masculine |
| narr | masculine |
Both idiot and narr refer to a person of low general intelligence. Idiot is used informally to describe someone behaving in a foolish or idiotic manner. Other informal ways to express this include dust, used for someone doing something foolish and klovn, used for someone acting like a clown.
Which one should you use?
While both words can mean a fool, idiot is the common modern term, whereas narr is a more archaic or literary term for a fool.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun idiot is masculine. Its definite form is idioten (the idiot) and its plural form is idioter (idiots). If you want to use the adjective form, use idiotisk (idiotic).
Did you know?
- Norwegians may use the phrase å være helt på vidda to describe someone acting like an idiot, which literally means 'to be completely out on the plateau'.
- The word idiot shares the same Ancient Greek root as the English 'idiot', originating from the word for a private person who does not participate in public life.
- The word narr can also be used as a verb å narre, which means 'to trick' or 'to fool' someone.
Examples in context
- Han er en idiot.He is an idiot.This sentence shows how to use idiot in a simple description.Tatoeba #4991948 by Improbably, translation #4987741 by Zurich899
- Tom er ikke en idiot.Tom is not an idiot.This sentence shows how to negate the noun idiot.Tatoeba #4870103 by pergpau, translation #3436717 by CK
- Du er en jævla idiot.You're a fucking idiot.This sentence shows the use of idiot with an intensifier.Tatoeba #14060598 by Mayk, translation #13118293 by menaud
- Han oppførte seg som en tullingHe behaved like a fool
- Hun er en dumrianShe is an idiot
- Han er bare en tåpeHe's just an idiot
- Du er en idiotYou are an idiot
- Slutt å være en dustStop being an idiot
- Han er en skikkelig klovnHe's a real idiot
- Jeg kan ikke tro at han gjorde noe så dumt. Han må være en tulling!I can't believe he did something so stupid. He must be an idiot!
- Slutt å oppføre deg som en dust! Du vet at det er feil.Stop acting like an idiot! You know it's wrong.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Magnus are talking about a driver who cut them off in traffic.
- EmmaSjekk den bilen! Han kjører som en idiot.Look at that car! He drives like an idiot.
- MagnusJa, han ser ikke engang på speilet.Yes, he doesn't even look in the mirror.
- EmmaHvorfor er folk så idioter i trafikken?Why are people such idiots in traffic?
- MagnusJeg vet ikke, Emma. Det er helt utrolig.I don't know, Emma. It's completely unbelievable.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “idiot” translations and entries idiot, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries idiot, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
