estúpido
/isˈtu.pi.du/
The Portuguese word for jerk is estúpido. Wiktionary also lists abécula.
Meaning: unlikable person (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| estúpido | /isˈtu.pi.du/ (Brazil) /esˈtu.pi.du/ (Brazil) |
| abécula | /aˈbɛ.ku.lɐ/ (Brazil) /ɐˈbɛ.ku.lɐ/ (Portugal) |
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Describing a person as estúpido is common in informal speech. Other related terms like idiota, babaca and imbecil are also informal.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the expression otário can be used with similar meanings to jerk.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word estúpido must agree with the gender of the person being described. For example, use the feminine form estúpida when referring to a female subject.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /isˈtu.pi.du/. It has four syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- In English, calling someone 'stupid' refers to their intelligence, but in Portuguese, calling someone estúpido often means they are being rude or ill-mannered.
- The Latin origin of estúpido suggests a state of being stunned or motionless, which is a far cry from the modern meaning of being a jerk.
- In Portugal, calling someone estúpido can be perceived as significantly more aggressive and offensive than the same word used in Brazil.
Examples in context
- Aquele homem é um cretino.That man is a jerk.
- Ela é uma pessoa muito desagradável.She is a jerk.
- Ele foi muito mal-educado conosco.He was a jerk to us.
- Ele é um idiota completo.He is a total jerk.
- Você agiu como um babaca.You acted like a jerk.
- Ele é um imbecil completo.He is a complete jerk.
- Aquele cara é um chato, sempre agindo como um imbecil.That guy is so annoying, always acting like a jerk.
Example conversation
Mariana and Rodrigo are talking about a rude coworker.
- MarianaO chefe foi um estúpido hoje.The boss was a jerk today.
- RodrigoEle sempre age assim com todos.He always acts like that with everyone.
- MarianaEu não aguento mais esse estúpido.I can't stand that jerk anymore.
- RodrigoTente ignorá-lo, Mariana.Try to ignore him, Mariana.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “jerk” translations and entries estúpido, abécula, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries abécula, estúpido, CC BY-SA 4.0.
