French Conversation · Level 3
88 words
French word
idiot
Pronunciation
IPA/idjo/
Meaning
- masculine nounfool
Example
Tu es un idiot.
You are a fool.
More examples
Il a agi comme un idiot.
He acted like an idiot.
Core concept
A person who repeatedly misjudges simple situations and behaves foolishly.
Common phrases
un idiot
an idiot
être un idiot
be an idiot
faire l'idiot
act like an idiot
Similar words
crétin: A person with little understanding or common sense who acts foolishly.
imbécile: A person with poor intelligence or judgment who often makes careless mistakes.
abruti: A dull-minded person who cannot think things through properly.
Definition in French
Terme qui désigne une personne qui manque d'intelligence ou de bon sens, souvent utilisé comme insulte.
Word origin
The French noun idiot continues Latin idiota, from Greek idiotes meaning a private person or layman, whose non-specialist sense later developed into the modern sense of a fool.
Usage tips
- Idiot is a direct insult in French, so less confrontational alternatives include bête or pas très malin.