idiota
/iˈdjɔ.ta/
The Italian phrase for "you idiot" is idiota.
idiota is an insulting expression used to call someone stupid.
How does it change in a sentence?
idiota is a masculine noun, but it can be used to refer to both male and female subjects. If you are referring to a group of males or a mixed group, the plural form is idioti. If you are referring to a group consisting only of females, the plural form is idiote.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /iˈdjɔ.ta/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly assume that because idiota ends in -a, it must only refer to females, but it is used for males as well.
Did you know?
- The word idiota originally had nothing to do with intelligence, but referred to a 'layman' or a person who did not hold public office.
- There is a specific Italian expression fare l'idiota, which means to pretend to be stupid or to play dumb to avoid a responsibility. It is used more as a behavior than a direct insult.
- Calling someone an idiota can sometimes be used playfully among close friends, depending entirely on the tone and the smile accompanying it.
Examples in context
- Non ti ho tradito, idiota!I didn't betray you, you idiot!This sentence shows how to use idiota in a context of defense.Tatoeba #3375198 by Guybrush88, translation #3233817 by sundown
- Tom, idiota!Tom, you idiot!This sentence shows how to use idiota when addressing someone by name.Tatoeba #2833085 by Guybrush88, translation #2592796 by WestofEden
- Diglielo, idiota!Tell him, you idiot!This sentence shows how to use idiota as an imperative command.Tatoeba #13575034 by Guybrush88, translation #8160086 by TheNightAvl
- Sei uno sciocco!You're a fool!
- Non fare lo stupido!Don't act like an idiot!
- Non pensare di potermi imbrogliare, cretino!Don't think you can fool me, idiot!
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are arguing after Alessandro accidentally breaks Sofia's phone.
- AlessandroScusa, Sofia, non volevo romperlo.Sorry, Sofia, I didn't mean to break it.
- SofiaSei un idiota, Alessandro!You are an idiot, Alessandro!
- AlessandroLo so, sono stato davvero sconsiderato.I know, I was really careless.
- SofiaAdesso però devi ripararlo subito.But now you have to fix it immediately.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry idiota, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries idiota, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
