ηλίθιος
ilíthios/iˈli.θi.os/masculine
The English word 'idiot' can be translated into Greek using ηλίθιος (ilíthios) or βλάκας.
Meaning: person of low general intelligence (noun)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| ηλίθιος | ilíthios | /iˈli.θi.os/ | masculine |
| βλάκας | vlákas | /ˈvla.kas/ | masculine |
These terms are used to describe a person of low general intelligence. You may also encounter the phrase κάπως ηλίθιος, which means 'kind of stupid'.
Which one should you use?
While both words mean idiot, βλάκας is more common in everyday colloquial speech, whereas ηλίθιος can sound slightly more formal or literary.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine forms are βλάκας and ηλίθιος. If you are referring to a female, use the feminine forms βλάκα for the first term and ηλίθια for the second.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is ilíthios. The word has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- In Greek culture, calling someone a βλάκας in a friendly, joking tone among close friends can be a sign of intimacy rather than an insult.
- While English uses 'idiot' to imply a lack of intelligence, the root of ηλίθιος originally meant someone who was 'idle' or 'vain'.
- Greek has several distinct words for 'stupid' depending on whether the person is slow to learn, lacking common sense or simply behaving foolishly.
Examples in context
- Με άλλα λόγια, είσαι βλάκας.In other words, you're an idiot.This sentence uses βλάκας to express that someone is an idiot.Tatoeba #2895755 by glavkos, translation #9210392 by Nylez
- Ο δασκαλός μας είναι ηλίθιος.Our teacher is a real idiot.This sentence uses ηλίθιος to describe a teacher as an idiot.Tatoeba #7272629 by amoeba, translation #1762636 by joyfie
- Η συμπεριφορά του είναι λίγο ανόητηHis behavior is a little foolish
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kyriaki and Kostas are arguing about a bad decision.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΓιατί το έκανες αυτό, Κώστα;Giatí to ékanes aftó, Kósta?Why did you do that, Kostas?
- Κώστας KostasΝόμιζα ότι ήταν η σωστή λύση.Nómiza óti ítan i sostí lýsi.I thought it was the right solution.
- Κυριακή KyriakiΕίσαι πραγματικά ηλίθιος!Eísai pragmatiká ilíthios!You are truly an idiot!
- Κώστας KostasΜη με προσβάλλεις.Mi me prosválleis.Don't insult me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “idiot” translations and entries ηλίθιος, βλάκας, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries βλάκας, ηλίθιος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
