eres un payaso
/eɾes un paʝaso/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'you're a clown' is translated as eres un payaso.
The phrase eres un payaso can be used literally to describe a circus performer or figuratively to call someone foolish or ridiculous, much like in English.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of eres (you are), un (a) and payaso (clown).
Which one should you use?
The form eres un payaso is the informal singular version using the 'tú' form.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are addressing a woman, you change the masculine un payaso to the feminine una payasa.
How do you pronounce it?
/eɾes un paʝaso/
Did you know?
- The word payaso comes from the Italian pagliaccio, which originates from the Latin word for 'chaff'. This is the same root that gave English the word 'pallet', referring to a straw bed used in medieval times.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone un payaso can imply they are not just foolish, but specifically someone who pretends to be something they are not to gain attention.
- While payaso is the standard term, in some regions, the word bufón is used to describe a 'court jester', adding a historical nuance of someone whose job was to mock the powerful.
Examples in context
- No me tomo en serio tus bromas, eres un payaso.I don't take your jokes seriously, you're a clown.
- Deja de hacer tonterías, eres un payaso.Stop acting silly, you're a clown.
- Si sigues actuando así, todos pensarán que eres un payaso.If you keep acting like that, everyone will think you're a clown.
Example conversation
Daniel is making jokes during a serious moment in a cafe.
- Daniel¡Mira este truco de magia que aprendí!Look at this magic trick I learned!
- ElenaDaniel, por favor, eres un payaso.Daniel, please, you're a clown.
- Daniel¡Solo quiero que te rías un poco!I just want you to laugh a little!
- ElenaAhora no es el momento.Now is not the time.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries eres, payaso, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
