tonto
vs
ay

QUICK ANSWER

"Ay" is a form of "ay", an interjection which is often translated as "ow". "Tonto" is an adjective which is often translated as "stupid". Learn more about the difference between "tonto" and "ay" below.

tonto(

tohn

toh

)

An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).

adjective

1. (not smart)

a. stupid

Es tonta si se cree que su novio va a cambiar.She's stupid if she thinks her boyfriend is going to change.

b. dumb

No eres tonto. Es solo que el subjuntivo no es fácil de entender.You are not dumb. It's just that the subjunctive is not easy to understand.

2. (absurd)

a. silly

Siempre te vales de excusas tontas para no ir a visitar a tus abuelos.You always make silly excuses not to go visit your grandparents.

b. stupid

Fue un tonto error que nos costó caro.It was a stupid mistake for which we paid a high price.

This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).

masculine or feminine noun

3. (unintelligent person)

a. idiot

Soy un tonto. Metí el vaquero en el lavarropa y la billetera estaba en el bolsillo.I'm such an idiot. I put the jeans in the washing machine and my wallet was in the pocket.

b. fool

Eres un verdadero tonto si dejas los estudios.You're a real fool if you abandon your studies.

4. (fool)

a. silly

"Tonto, los leones marinos no son leones acuáticos," dijo Mónica sonriendo."Sea lions are not aquatic lions, silly," said Monica smiling.

ay(

)

An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).

interjection

1. (used to express pain)

a. ow

¡Ay! ¡Acabas de pisarme el pie!Ow! You just stepped on my foot!