burro
insult, Brazil
In Brazil "stupid" is burro, literally "donkey". Idiota is a stronger insult and bobo is a milder word that can mean "silly" and even be said affectionately.
Meaning: lacking intelligence, insulting (adjective)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | Note |
|---|---|
| burro | insult, Brazil |
| Idiota | insult |
| Bobo | mild |
Calling someone burro is rude. Bobo is lighter and parents may say it to children. The feminine forms are burra and boba.
Which one should you use?
Brazilians also use besta to mean "foolish", and it can be a mild insult.
Did you know?
- Burro for "donkey" is also the everyday word for the animal in Portuguese, which explains the insult.
Examples in context
- Não seja burro.Do not be stupid.
- Isso foi uma ideia idiota.That was a stupid idea.
- Que bobo você é!How silly you are!
Example conversation
Two friends, Nina and Gustavo, laugh about a mistake at a café in Belém.
- GustavoErrei a conta de novo.I got the bill wrong again.
- NinaQue bobo!How silly!
- GustavoSou burro mesmo.I really am dumb.
