Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| idiota | /iˈdjɔ.ta/ | masculine |
| idiotka | /iˈdjɔt.ka/ | feminine |
| głupek | /ˈɡwu.pɛk/ | masculine |
| głupiec | /ˈɡwu.pjɛt͡s/ | masculine |
| dureń | /ˈdu.rɛɲ/ | masculine |
All these terms refer to a person of low general intelligence. While idiota is a direct equivalent to the English word, other forms like głupiec or dureń may be used depending on the desired tone.
Which one should you use?
idiota is the standard noun for idiot. In contrast, głupiec is a more traditional and slightly more literary way to call someone a fool or an idiot. The words głupiec and głupek are both used as derogatory terms.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term idiota is a masculine noun. Use the feminine form idiotka when referring to a woman. If you wish to use an adjective to describe a woman as "stupid" rather than using a noun, use the adjective głupia.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable: /iˈdjɔ.ta/.
Did you know?
- The word idiota originates from the Ancient Greek word idiṓtēs, which originally meant a 'layman' or a 'private citizen'.
- Polish has a wide array of 'diminutive' insults where adding a small suffix can turn a mean word into a teasing or affectionate one depending on the tone.
- While idiota is a general term, dureń often implies a specific kind of foolishness characterized by being gullible or easily tricked.
Examples in context
- Nasz nauczyciel to prawdziwy idiota.Our teacher is a real idiot.This sentence shows how to use idiota to describe a person.Tatoeba #4104061 by Hikaru, translation #1762636 by joyfie
- Tom to idiota na następnym poziomie.Tom is a next level idiot.This sentence demonstrates a common way to use idiota in an informal context.Tatoeba #8529862 by MCcommand, translation #8529864 by MCcommand
- Idiota.Idiot.This sentence shows the use of idiota as a single-word exclamation.Tatoeba #12201976 by polski_ren, translation #10733829 by frzzl
- Czy usłyszałeś, jak Michał kazał swojemu szefowi poczekać na niego? On naprawdę jest durniem.Did you hear how Michał made his boss wait for him? He's really an idiot.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Tomasz and Anna are talking about a rude man at a party.
- TomaszTen człowiek to po prostu idiota.That man is simply an idiot.
- AnnaZgadzam się, zachował się fatalnie.I agree, he behaved terribly.
- TomaszWidziałaś, jak na ciebie krzyczał?Did you see how he yelled at you?
- AnnaTak, to było bardzo niegrzeczne.Yes, it was very rude.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “idiot” translations and entries idiota, idiotka, głupek, głupiec, dureń, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries głupek, głupiec, idiota, idiotka, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
