más tonto
/mas tonto/from spelling rules
The English phrase "silliest" is translated into Spanish as más tonto.
más tonto is the superlative form used to describe a person or thing that lacks the most common sense. While 'más tonto' is the standard way to express the superlative 'silliest', it literally translates to 'more silly', which is the common way to form superlatives in Spanish.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "the silliest" when referring to a specific person or thing, you must add the definite article 'el' (masculine) or 'la' (feminine) before the phrase. The phrase must agree in gender with the noun it describes, changing from 'más tonto' to 'más tonta' for feminine subjects. When describing a group of males or a mixed-gender group, use the plural form los más tontos. When describing a group consisting only of females, use the feminine plural form las más tontas.
How do you pronounce it?
/mas tonto/
Did you know?
- The word tonto may have its roots in the Latin word for 'to shear', implying that a 'silly' person is one who has been shorn or is empty-headed.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone tonto can be an affectionate tease between friends or partners, whereas in English 'silliest' is often reserved for children.
- In some Spanish-speaking contexts, calling someone tonto can range from a playful tease among friends to a genuine insult, depending entirely on the tone of voice used.
Examples in context
- Creo que la decisión más tonta que he tomado fue…I think the silliest decision I've made was…
- Ese chiste es el más ridículo que he escuchado.That joke is the silliest I've heard.
- ¡Ese video que compartiste es el más tonto!That video you shared is the silliest!
- Pedro es el más bobo de todos.Pedro is the silliest of them all.
- Es el error más tonto que he cometido.It is the silliest mistake I have made.
- Ese fue el bromista más tonto del grupo.He was the silliest joker in the group.
- No seas el más tonto de la clase.Don't be the silliest one in the class.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are discussing a movie they just watched.
- Daniel¿Viste ese personaje? Era el más tonto de la película.Did you see that character? He was the silliest in the movie.
- ElenaSí, Daniel, era realmente ridículo.Yes, Daniel, he was really ridiculous.
- DanielNo pude dejar de reírme de su torpeza.I couldn't stop laughing at his clumsiness.
- ElenaA mí también me pareció muy divertido.I also thought it was very funny.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries más, tonto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
