bête
common
The common word for "stupid" is bête, and stupide is also used. Both are insults, so they sound harsh if you aim them at a person.
Meaning: lacking intelligence (adjective)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| bête | common |
| stupide | standard |
You can say C'est bête about a situation, meaning "that is silly", which is milder. Il est bête about a person is rude.
How do you pronounce it?
Bête sounds like "bet" and stupide like "stoo-PEED".
Did you know?
- The adjective bête also means "silly" in a gentle way, so its force depends on how it is said.
Examples in context
- C'est bête, ça.That is silly.
- Quelle idée stupide!What a stupid idea!
- Ne sois pas bête.Do not be silly.
Example conversation
Pascal and his friend Eugène laugh about a mistake after a fishing trip near Houma.
- PascalJ'ai laissé les cannes à pêche à la maison.I left the fishing rods at home.
- EugèneÇa, c'est bête!That is silly!
- PascalOui, retournons les chercher.Yes, let us go back and get them.
