Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ηλίθιος | ilíthios | /iˈli.θi.os/ |
| ανόητος | anóitos | /aˈno.i.tos/ |
These terms are used to describe someone lacking in intelligence. While ηλίθιος is a harsh insult, you may also encounter the informal term χαζός to mean someone silly or simple-minded or the slang term μαλάκας, which translates to 'jerk' or 'idiot' but is frequently used to mean 'stupid'.
Which one should you use?
The two main forms differ in intensity. ηλίθιος is a harsh insult that strongly implies a lack of intelligence. In contrast, ανόητος is a milder term used to mean 'foolish' or 'silly'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form ηλίθιος changes based on the gender and number of the person being described. The masculine plural is ηλίθιοι, the feminine singular is ηλίθια, the feminine plural is ηλίθιες and the neuter singular is ηλίθιο.
How do you pronounce it?
It has four syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The slang term μαλάκας is so versatile that it can actually be used between close friends as a term of endearment, similar to how 'idiot' or 'bastard' is used in some English dialects.
- The word ανόητος contains the exact same root as the English word 'noetic', which relates to the intellect or the power of the mind.
- While ηλίθιος is a harsh insult, the term χαζός is often used affectionately for children or pets to mean 'silly'.
Examples in context
- Είσαι απίστευτα ηλίθιος.You're unbelievably stupid.This sentence shows how to use ηλίθιος to describe someone's character.Tatoeba #5496220 by Zeus, translation #2218468 by CK
- Ήξερες πως ήταν ηλίθιος;Did you know he was stupid?This sentence uses ηλίθιος in a question about a person's past behavior.Tatoeba #6862086 by tokipona, translation #9227265 by Nylez
- Πόσο ηλίθιος είναι ο τύπος;How stupid is the guy?This sentence demonstrates using ηλίθιος to emphasize a person's stupidity.Tatoeba #9441087 by Nylez, translation #9928367 by Nylez
- Ο καθηγητής μου είναι ανόητος. Δεν μπορεί να εξηγήσει απλά πράγματα.My professor is foolish. He can't explain simple things.
- Η Αναστασία δεν είναι ανεξήγητη. Απλά δεν σκέφτεται.Anastasia is not inexplicable. She just doesn't think.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kostas and Maria are talking about a mistake a coworker made.
- Κώστας KostasΉταν τόσο ηλίθιος με αυτή την απόφαση.Ítan tóso ilíthios me aftí tin apófasi.He was so stupid with that decision.
- Μαρία MariaΝαι, έκανε ένα πολύ ηλίθιο λάθος.Ne, ékané éna polý ilíthio láthos.Yes, he made a very stupid mistake.
- Κώστας KostasΔεν μπορεί να είναι τόσο ηλίθιος.Den booreí na íne tóso ilíthios.He cannot be that stupid.
- Μαρία MariaΜερικές φορές είναι όντως ηλίθιος.Merikes fores íne óntos ilíthios.Sometimes he really is stupid.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stupid” translations and entries ηλίθιος, ανόητος, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ανόητος, ηλίθιος, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
