바보
babo[ˈpa̠(ː)bo̞]
The Korean word for "stupid" is 바보 (babo).
While used to describe something as stupid, 바보 is primarily a noun meaning "fool" or "idiot".
Meaning: lacking in intelligence (adj)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
바보 is a relatively mild term and is considered informal. Because it is not a harsh insult, it can be used playfully or even affectionately between close friends.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use 바보 as an adjective modifying a noun, you must add 같은 to create 바보 같은 (meaning "stupid" or "like a fool"). To use it as an adverb meaning "stupidly" or "like a fool", add the suffix 같이 to create 바보같이.
How do you pronounce it?
babo
Did you know?
- Another hypothesis links the word to the Chinese characters for 'eight months', suggesting the term originally referred to a child born prematurely.
- The suffix -보 is a specialized tool in Korean used to create labels for people based on their habits. For example, 먹보 combines 'eat' and -보 to mean 'glutton'.
- In Korean romantic dramas, calling a partner a 바보 is often a sign of affection. It is used to describe someone who is 'stupid' for being too innocent or clumsy in love.
Examples in context
- 바보 같은 짓 좀 그만해.Stop being stupid.This sentence is useful for telling someone to stop doing something with the form 바보.Tatoeba #11106566 by intertime, translation #3419612 by Hybrid
- 넌 왜 그렇게 바보같이 굴어?Why are you acting so stupid?This sentence is useful for asking why someone is acting with the form 바보.Tatoeba #8363190 by Eunhee, translation #7737513 by CK
- 우리 좀 바보짓을 해야할 것 같아.I think we should do something stupid.This sentence is useful for suggesting doing something with the form 바보.Tatoeba #8360561 by Eunhee, translation #1444225 by CM
- 그 사람은 바보입니다.That person is stupid.
- 너 왜 그렇게 멍청해?Why are you so stupid like that?
- 그는 정말 어리석은 사람이야.He is truly a stupid person.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Subin and Hyunwoo are talking about a silly mistake Hyunwoo made.
- 수빈 Su-bin현우야, 너 정말 바보야?Hyunwoo-ya, neo jeongmal baboya?Hyunwoo, are you really a fool?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo아니, 그냥 실수했어.Ani, geunyang silsuhaesseo.No, I just made a mistake.
- 수빈 Su-bin완전 바보 같은 실수였어.Wanjeon babo gateun silsu-yeosseo.It was a totally stupid mistake.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo미안해, 다음엔 조심할게.Mianhae, daeum-en josim-halge.I'm sorry, I'll be careful next time.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 바보, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 바보, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
