estúpido
/esˈtupido/
The English word 'idiot' is translated into Spanish as estúpido.
estúpido is used to describe a person of low general intelligence. It can function as both a noun, meaning 'an idiot' and an adjective, meaning 'stupid' or 'foolish'.
Meaning: person of low general intelligence (noun)
Which one should you use?
While estúpido is a common way to say idiot, it often carries a stronger connotation of being 'stupid' or 'senseless' compared to other synonyms like tonto, which can be more mild or even affectionate.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the slang term gilipollas is widely used. In Latin America, the informal term pendejo/a is often used as an informal way to say 'idiot' or 'stupid'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word estúpido must agree with the subject in gender and number. Use estúpida for a female subject, estúpidos for a group of males or a mixed-gender group and estúpidas for a group consisting only of females.
How do you pronounce it?
/esˈtupido/
Did you know?
- In many Latin American countries, pendejo literally means 'pubic hair', though it is used almost exclusively to mean 'idiot' or 'coward'.
- The Spanish word pendejo has a very different meaning in Mexico than in Argentina, where it can simply mean a 'youngster' or 'kid'.
- The term gilipollas, common in Spain, contains the word pollas, which is a vulgar slang term for 'penises'.
Examples in context
- Él no es estúpido.He's not an idiot.This sentence shows how to use estúpido in a negative statement.Tatoeba #535492 by Leono, translation #840139 by papabear
- «Creía que Tom me iba a matar.» «¿Y te mató?» «¡No, estúpido! ¿Te parezco un fantasma?»"I thought that Tom was going to kill me." "So, did he kill you?" "No, he didn't, you idiot! Do I look like a ghost to you?"This example shows how estúpido is used as a direct insult in a conversational context.Tatoeba #3241227 by Shishir, translation #3241225 by Hybrid
- No seas tonto/a y piensa antes de actuarDon't be an idiot and think before you act
- No hagas caso a sus comentarios, es un necio/aDon't pay attention to their comments, they are an idiot
- Esos argumentos son realmente estúpidosThose arguments are really stupid
- ¡Eres un completo idiota!You're a complete idiot!
- No seas tarado/a y presta atenciónDon't be an idiot and pay attention
- Ese estúpido no sabe ni sumar.That idiot doesn't even know how to add.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are discussing a bad decision.
- MateoCompré este coche sin revisarlo primero.I bought this car without checking it first.
- Elena¡Pero qué estúpido eres, Mateo!What an idiot you are, Mateo!
- MateoLo sé, fue un error terrible.I know, it was a terrible mistake.
- ElenaAhora tendrás que arreglarlo tú mismo.Now you'll have to fix it yourself.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry estúpido, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
