bobalías
/bobalias/from spelling rulesfeminine, masculine
The English phrase "silly goose" can be translated into Spanish as bobalías or bobatel.
Meaning: silly person (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bobalías | /bobalias/ (from spelling rules) | feminine, masculine |
| bobatel | /bobatel/ (from spelling rules) | colloquial, masculine |
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term bobalías is a general form, while bobatel is specifically noted as colloquial.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form bobalías is noted as being both feminine and masculine, allowing it to be used regardless of the gender of the person being described.
How do you pronounce it?
/bobalias/
Did you know?
- In Spain, calling someone bobo can be a playful way to flirt, whereas in some Latin American countries it might be taken as a more serious insult if said to a stranger.
- The word pavo, used for a foolish person, literally means 'turkey', but it is also used in Spain as slang for a 'single euro'.
- Spanish speakers often opt for the word burro to describe someone acting foolishly, using the donkey instead of the English goose to convey the same sense of stupidity.
Example sentences for Spanish are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are laughing after a small mistake.
- LucíaOlvidé las llaves otra vez.I forgot the keys again.
- MateoEres unas bobalías, Lucía.You are such a silly goose, Lucía.
- Lucía¡Tú también lo haces!You do it too!
- MateoEso es verdad, lo admito.That is true, I admit it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “silly goose” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
