Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| глу́пый | glúpyj |
| дурно́й | durnój |
| тупо́й | tupój |
| неу́мный | neúmnyj |
| тупоу́мный | tupoúmnyj |
These terms are used to describe a lack of intelligence or foolishness. While many forms are adjectives, you may also encounter the nouns дура́к or ду́ра to directly call someone a 'fool' or 'idiot'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word тупоу́мный is a compound of тупой (blunt or dull) and умный (smart), which literally translates to 'dull-witted'.
Which one should you use?
Глу́пый is the most standard and neutral way to describe a lack of intelligence or a foolish action. Дурно́й implies a sense of being 'bad' or 'unbalanced' in judgment, often appearing in the phrase 'дурно́й ум' (a bad or stupid mind). Тупо́й is often used colloquially to mean 'stupid', though its literal meaning is 'blunt' (as in a knife). Неу́мный is a way to say 'unwise' or 'foolish'. Тупоу́мный specifically means 'dull-witted'.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
glúpyj
Did you know?
- The word глупы́й is related to an old root meaning 'deaf', suggesting that stupidity was historically viewed as a failure to 'hear' or perceive the truth.
- The term дура́к is central to one of Russia's most popular card games, which is literally named 'Fool'.
- In Russian folklore, the character Ива́нушка-дура́к (Ivan the Fool) is often the only one who succeeds because his 'stupidity' is actually a form of intuitive wisdom.
Examples in context
- Такое глупое решение нанесло ущерб нашему бизнесу.Such a stupid decision has harmed our business.
- Ваше неразумное поведение привело к серьезным последствиям.Your stupid behavior has led to serious consequences.
- Ты такой тупой! Почему не можешь это понять?You're so stupid! Why can't you understand this?
- Какой дурацкий вопрос!What a silly question!
- Это был глу́пый поступок.Eto byl glupyy postupok.That was a stupid act.
Example conversation
Andrey and Maria are discussing a movie plot.
- Андрей AndreyГлавный герой совершил очень глу́пый выбор.Glavnyy geroy sovershil ochen glupyy vybor.The main character made a very stupid choice.
- Мария MariaЯ согласна, это было совсем нелогично.Ya soglasna, eto bylo sovsem nelogichno.I agree, it was completely illogical.
- Андрей AndreyПочему он так поступил?Pochemu on tak postupil?Why did he do that?
- Мария MariaНаверное, сценарист просто ошибся.Navernoye, stsenarist prosto oshibsya.Probably, the screenwriter just made a mistake.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stupid” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
