Spanish Conversation · Level 17
89 words
Spanish word
tontería
Pronunciation
IPA/tonteˈɾia/
Meaning
- feminine nounnonsense
Example
No digas tonterías.
Don't say nonsense.
More examples
Comprar eso sería una tontería.
Buying that would be nonsense.
Core concept
A trivial or silly action or remark that shows lack of sense.
Common phrases
ser una tontería
be nonsense
sin tonterías
no nonsense
decir una tontería
say something silly
Similar words
bobada: Small, silly remark or action with little importance or consequence.
necedad: Foolish act or idea showing poor judgment or lack of sense.
disparate: Absurd, exaggerated remark or action that breaks ordinary common sense.
Definition in Spanish
Cosa ridícula o carente de importancia que no merece atención, o comportamiento propio de alguien poco sensato.
Word origin
From tonto "foolish person" plus the suffix -ería, which forms nouns indicating the quality, an act, or a trivial thing associated with the adjective.
Usage tips
- The plural tonterías is commonly used to reject or downplay what someone said, but using it can sound blunt or dismissive in polite conversation.