tribilín
/tɾibilin/from spelling rulesBolivia
The English word "goofy" can be translated into Spanish as tribilín. Wiktionary also lists bobo and tonto.
Meaning: quirky or silly, often in a humorous manner (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| tribilín | /tɾibilin/ (from spelling rules) | Bolivia |
| bobo | /ˈbobo/ | |
| tonto | /ˈtonto/ |
The term describes someone or something that is quirky or silly, often in a humorous way. In some contexts, it can also refer to the Disney character Goofy.
Which one should you use?
Whereas "goofy" implies a silly or harmless nature, tonto is used to mean stupid or dumb.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bolivia, tribilín is the specific term used to refer to the character Goofy. In both Spain and Latin America, the word chiflado/a can be used to express goofiness with a touch of eccentricity.
Related words
Did you know?
- The word tonto might actually come from the Latin word 'tondeo', which means 'to shear' sheep.
Examples in context
- David hizo un comentario muy tonto durante la reunión. ¡Nos hizo reír a todos!David made a very silly comment during the meeting. He made us all laugh!
- Ana siempre tiene una sonrisa bobalicona en su rostro. Es una persona muy alegre.Ana always has a goofy smile on her face. She is a very cheerful person.
- ¡Carlos siempre está haciendo payasadas para hacernos reír!Carlos is always pulling silly stunts to make us laugh!
- ¡Mario es el chico más chiflado que conozco! Sus ocurrencias siempre nos sorprenden.Mario is the goofiest guy I know! His antics always surprise us.
- Tenemos un grupo de amigos bastante pirados. Siempre hacen cosas locas juntos.We have a group of pretty goofy friends. They always do crazy things together.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are looking at a funny photo.
- DanielMira esta foto, salgo muy tribilín.Look at this photo, I look very goofy.
- MaríaSí, Daniel, tienes una cara muy graciosa.Yes, Daniel, you have a very funny face.
- DanielSiempre soy el tribilín del grupo.I'm always the goofy one in the group.
- MaríaEso es lo que te hace especial.That is what makes you special.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goofy” translations and entries bobo, tonto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bobo, tonto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
