дурни́й
durnýj
The English word stupid can be translated into Ukrainian as дурни́й (durnýj) or тупи́й.
Meaning: lacking in intelligence (adj)
Ways to say it
| Ukrainian | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| дурни́й | durnýj |
| тупи́й | tupýj |
These terms are used to describe a lack of intelligence. дурни́й is the standard way to say someone is foolish or stupid, while тупи́й is used more colloquially to describe someone as dim-witted or obtuse or to describe a blunt object.
Which one should you use?
дурни́й is the general, standard term for 'stupid' or 'foolish'. In contrast, тупи́й is more colloquial and carries a stronger connotation of being dim-witted or it can be used to describe an object that is blunt.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective тупи́й changes based on gender and number: use тупа́ when describing a feminine subject and тупі́ when describing multiple people or objects.
How do you pronounce it?
durnýj
Did you know?
- Ukrainian has a specific word тупори́лий, which combines тупи́й with a word for 'snout' or 'muzzle', creating a much more aggressive and dehumanizing insult.
- The word тупи́й is often paired with як пробка ('as stupid as a cork') to emphasize a total lack of understanding.
- The term ду́рний is related to the word for 'fool', which in many Slavic cultures is a character archetype rather than just a descriptor of intelligence.
Examples in context
- Твій висновок є дурнимYour conclusion is stupid.
- План команди здається безглуздимThe team's plan seems stupid.
Example conversation
Oleksandr and Olena are discussing a bad idea for a project.
- Олександр OleksandrДавай спробуємо цей план.Davai sprobuvomo tsei plan.Let's try this plan.
- Олена OlenaЦе ж дурни́й план, Олександре!Tse zh durnyi plan, Oleksandre!But that's a stupid plan, Oleksandr!
- Олександр OleksandrЧому ти так думаєш?Chomu ty tak dumayesh?Why do you think so?
- Олена OlenaВін просто не працюватиме.Vin prosto ne pratsyuvatyme.It simply won't work.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stupid” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
