ngu
[ŋu˧˧]
The English word "stupid" is translated into Vietnamese as ngu.
The term is used to describe someone who is lacking in intelligence.
Meaning: lacking in intelligence (adj)
Which one should you use?
While ngu refers to a general lack of intelligence, the word dại is used to describe someone who is "stupid" in the sense of being gullible or making poor decisions, particularly regarding business or relationships. The term dốt is used specifically to describe someone who is ignorant or lacks knowledge and understanding.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ngu is an informal and blunt term that can be highly offensive depending on the tone and context in which it is used. Dốt is also an informal way to describe a lack of knowledge.
Did you know?
- In certain Northern Vietnamese dialects, the tone of voice can change ngu from a harsh insult into a playful, teasing remark among very close friends.
- The word ngu shares its written roots with the Chinese character 愚, which means 'foolish' or 'simple'.
- Using ngu to describe a person's actions can sometimes be seen as a direct attack on their character or family upbringing, rather than just a comment on a single error.
Examples in context
- Bạn bị ngu à?Are you stupid?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is being stupid using ngu.Tatoeba #13640366 by leucammieuvu, translation #2711995 by CK
- Bớt ngu lại đi.Stop being so damn stupid.This sentence is useful for telling someone to stop being so damn stupid using ngu.Tatoeba #11475672 by OneJanuary, translation #8321580 by Amastan
- Đừng có ngu nữa.Stop being stupid.Tatoeba #13640306 by leucammieuvu, translation #3419612 by Hybrid
- Tôi đã bị đánh lừa vì sự ngốc nghếch của mình.I was deceived because of my foolishness.
- Đừng làm loạn khi bạn không biết gì, đừng khờ dại như vậy.Don't cause chaos when you don't know anything, don't be so naïve.
- Ngày hôm qua tôi đã làm một việc rất ngu ngốc.Yesterday I did something very foolish.
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chi and Minh are discussing a mistake Minh made.
- ChiSao anh làm việc ngu thế?Why did you do such a stupid thing?
- MinhEm đừng nói anh ngu.Don't call me stupid.
- ChiNhưng mà đúng là ngu thật.But it really was stupid.
- MinhAnh chỉ là nhầm lẫn thôi.I was just mistaken.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stupid” translations and entries ngu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ngu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
