tonto
everyday, mild
In Puerto Rico people say tonto or bobo for a mild “silly” or “dumb”. Estúpido is the stronger word and is a real insult.
Meaning: lacking intelligence or sense (adjective)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| tonto | everyday, mild |
| Bobo | casual, mild |
| Estúpido | strong, insult |
Qué bobo or No seas tonto can be affectionate between friends or family. Estúpido is meant to hurt and is best avoided.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In polite talk avoid all these words. Say eso no fue buena idea instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adjectives change with gender: tonto and tonta, bobo and boba, estúpido and estúpida.
Did you know?
- Bobo is often used for pets and babies too, as in Ay, qué bobo said with a smile.
Examples in context
- No seas tonto, claro que puedes.Do not be silly, of course you can.
- Qué bobo soy, se me olvidó.How silly of me, I forgot.
- Fue una decisión estúpida.It was a stupid decision.
Example conversation
Cousins Dayana and Eric joke around while setting a table in Humacao.
- DayanaEric, olvidaste los vasos.Eric, you forgot the glasses.
- EricAy, qué bobo soy.Oh, how silly of me.
- DayanaNo te preocupes, yo los traigo.Do not worry, I will bring them.
