Ways to say it
| Indonesian | IPA |
|---|---|
| bodoh | /ˈbodoh/ (Standard Indonesian) |
| bebal | /bəˈbal/ (Standard Indonesian) |
| tolol | /ˈtolol/ (Standard Indonesian) |
| geblek | |
| dungu | /ˈduŋu/ (Standard Indonesian) |
| sontoloyo |
These terms are used to describe a lack of intelligence or cleverness. Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, such as being slow to learn, acting nonsensically or being extremely idiotic, different words may be more appropriate.
Which one should you use?
While bodoh is the standard term, other words offer more specific shades of meaning. Tolol is much stronger and more insulting, similar to 'idiotic' or 'moronic'. Dungu is a more formal or literary way to express stupidity. Bebal specifically implies a person is stubbornly stupid or slow to learn and unresponsive to instruction. In slang, geblek can mean 'stupid' or 'silly', often used among peers in a lighthearted or frustrated way, while sontoloyo describes someone acting in a ridiculous or nonsensical manner.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a formal way to say someone is 'not intelligent', you can use the phrase tidak cerdas. In formal or literary contexts, dungu and bebal are used. Bodoh is the standard, neutral term. For informal or casual settings, tolol is a strong, insulting term and geblek and sontoloyo are used as slang.
How does it change in a sentence?
To turn the adjective bodoh into the noun 'stupidity', you add the prefix ke- and the suffix -an to form kebodohan.
Did you know?
- The Indonesian word tolol actually traces its roots back to the Portuguese word tolo, meaning 'foolish'.
- While bodoh is the general term, using geblek in a friendly group can actually function as a term of endearment or a playful tease.
- In highly formal Indonesian, it is common to avoid all these words entirely and use the phrase kurang pintar, which literally means 'less clever'.
Examples in context
- Kamu tuli atau bodoh?Are you deaf or stupid?This sentence is useful for questioning if someone is deaf or bodoh.Tatoeba #11969065 by Pacific, translation #2968640 by Hybrid
- Itu kesalahan yang bodoh.It was a stupid mistake.This sentence shows how to describe a bodoh mistake.Tatoeba #5257372 by Bilmanda, translation #2711969 by CK
- Aku tahu mereka mengira aku bodoh.I know they think I'm stupid.This sentence is useful for expressing that people think you are bodoh.Tatoeba #10102847 by HAGNi, translation #10714771 by warikdigital
- Saya tidak setuju dengan kebijakan tersebut, saya rasa itu bodoh.I disagree with that policy. I think it is stupid.
- Menurut saya, pendekatan mereka dalam menghadapi masalah tersebut tidak cerdas.In my opinion, their approach to dealing with that problem is not smart.
- Jangan tolol, kamu bisa melukai dirimu sendiri.Don't be stupid. You could hurt yourself.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Budi and Indah are discussing a bad decision made by a friend.
- IndahKenapa dia melakukan hal bodoh itu?Why did he do that stupid thing?
- BudiAku juga tidak mengerti pikirannya.I don't understand his thinking either.
- IndahDia benar-benar bodoh kali ini.He is truly stupid this time.
- BudiIya, itu ide yang sangat buruk.Yes, that was a very bad idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stupid” translations and entries bodoh, bebal, tolol, dungu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bebal, bodoh, tolol, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
