debil
/ˈdɛ.bil/masculine
The English word moron can be translated into Polish using debil. Wiktionary also lists przygłup and bałwan.
Meaning: psychology, dated: person of mild mental subnormality (noun)
Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| debil | /ˈdɛ.bil/ | masculine |
| przygłup | /ˈpʂɘ.ɡwup/ | |
| bałwan | /ˈbaw.van/ /ˈbaɫ.vɒn/ (Middle, Polish) |
masculine |
Which one should you use?
While debil is used to call someone a moron or an idiot, bałwan serves as a milder, more metaphorical way to call someone a blockhead or a dummy, often implying they are slow-witted or clumsy rather than clinically deficient. The term przygłup is also a way to express this idea.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun debil changes to the vocative form debilu when you are addressing someone directly as a moron. If you are referring to a female, use the feminine form debilka.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈdɛ.bil/. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word bałwan literally translates to 'snowman' in English, yet it is used to call someone a dummy or a blockhead.
- While debil is a common insult today, it was once a formal medical term used by doctors to classify intelligence levels.
- The word bałwan originally referred to an idol or a pagan statue in Old Polish before it meant 'snowman' or 'dummy'.
Examples in context
- Czułem się jak debil.I felt like a moron.This sentence is useful for expressing how one felt like a debil.Tatoeba #4953247 by aleksandraeska, translation #4904877 by CK
- Tak, to był prawdziwy idiota!Yes, he was a real moron!
- On zachowuje się jak debil.He is acting like a moron.
Example conversation
A doctor is explaining an old medical diagnosis to a colleague.
- TomaszCzy ten pacjent to debil?Is this patient a moron?
- AnnaTak, tak wpisano w starej dokumentacji.Yes, that was recorded in the old documentation.
- TomaszTo brzmi bardzo brutalnie.That sounds very brutal.
- AnnaTo tylko dawne określenie medyczne.It is only an old medical term.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “moron” translations and entries debil, przygłup, bałwan, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
