torpe
/ˈtoɾpe/
The Spanish word for 'spaz' is torpe.
The word torpe is used to describe an incompetent person.
Meaning: incompetent person (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
torpe is an adjective meaning clumsy or incompetent. It does not change for gender, so it is the same for both masculine and feminine subjects. To make the word plural, add an 's' to get torpes.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtoɾpe/
Did you know?
- The English word 'turpitude', which describes someone's wicked or depraved behavior, shares the exact same linguistic ancestor as torpe.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone torpe is significantly softer and less offensive than using 'spaz' in English.
- In a professional setting, torpe is used not just for accidents but to describe a process or law that is inefficient and cumbersome.
Examples in context
- Es un torpe con las herramientas.He is a clumsy incompetent person with tools.
- Mi hermano es un torpe total.My brother is a total incompetent person.
Example conversation
Javier accidentally drops a glass in the kitchen.
- Javier¡Lo siento! Soy un torpe.I'm sorry! I'm such a spaz.
- LucíaNo pasa nada, Javier.It's okay, Javier.
- JavierSiempre rompo todo.I always break everything.
- LucíaSolo ten más cuidado, torpe.Just be more careful, you klutz.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry torpe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries torpe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
