idiota
/iˈdjota/feminine, masculine
The Spanish word for "idiot" is idiota.
idiota is used to describe a person of low general intelligence. While it functions as a noun meaning "an idiot", it is also frequently used as an adjective meaning "stupid", such as in the phrase una persona idiota.
Meaning: person of low general intelligence (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
idiota is an invariable noun, meaning the spelling remains the same whether the subject is masculine or feminine. To form the plural, add an -s to create idiotas.
How do you pronounce it?
/iˈdjota/
Did you know?
- The word idiota comes from the Ancient Greek term for a 'private person' or 'layman' who did not participate in public political life.
- In certain Latin American slang, particularly in Mexico, the word can sometimes be used among very close friends as a term of endearment or a lighthearted tease, though this is highly dependent on tone and context.
- The root of idiota shares a connection with the English word 'idiosyncrasy', which describes the peculiar traits of an individual.
Examples in context
- Él no es idiota.He's not an idiot.This sentence shows how to negate the noun idiota.Tatoeba #1237093 by Shishir, translation #840139 by papabear
- ¿Eres idiota o qué?Are you an idiot or what?This sentence demonstrates a common rhetorical question using idiota.Tatoeba #2680839 by Mavry, translation #2681451 by iainmb93
- ¡Qué idiota que soy!What an idiot I am!This sentence shows how to express self-criticism using idiota.Tatoeba #943846 by hayastan, translation #410599 by CK
- No seas tonto, ¿por qué hiciste eso?Don't be silly, why did you do that?
- Dejaste la puerta abierta otra vez, ¡qué bobo eres!You left the door open again, you silly!
- No puedo creer lo que hiciste, ¡eres un gilipollas!I can't believe what you did, you moron!
- No entiendo cómo puedes ser tan imbécil a veces.I don't understand how you can be such a fool sometimes.
- 99 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are discussing a bad decision a friend made.
- DanielNo puedo creer que hizo eso.I can't believe he did that.
- MaríaEs un idiota, Daniel.He is an idiot, Daniel.
- DanielTienes razón, fue una tontería.You are right, it was foolish.
- MaríaA veces se comporta como un idiota.Sometimes he behaves like an idiot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “idiot” translations and entries idiota, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries idiota, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
