How to say “What, are you stupid?” in Korean

The direct translation depends a lot on tone, because Korean has strong levels of politeness. The phrase you’re asking for is insulting , so here are a few ways it might appear:

1. Very direct / rude (common in arguments)

  • “너 바보야?”
    (neo babo-ya?)
    → “Are you an idiot?” / “Are you stupid?”

  • “너 뭐야, 바보야?”
    → Closer to “What, are you stupid?”

2. Slightly less harsh but still rude

  • “너 멍청해?”
    (neo meongcheonghae?)
    → “Are you dumb?”

3. Extremely harsh / offensive

  • “너 미쳤어?”
    (neo michyeosseo?)
    → Literally “Are you crazy?” (often used similarly in heated situations)

Important context (Korean nuance)

Korean language is highly sensitive to respect and hierarchy , so:

  • Using “너” (you) casually can already sound rude depending on the relationship.
  • These phrases are typically used between close friends jokingly or in arguments.
  • Saying this to strangers or elders can come off as very aggressive.

A safer, more natural alternative

If you want something less harsh:

  • “왜 그래?” → “What’s wrong with you?”
  • “장난해?” → “Are you kidding me?”

These convey frustration without directly insulting someone.

Quick example

Imagine a friend does something silly:

  • Casual joking tone:
    “너 바보야?” (laughing tone = playful)

  • Angry tone:
    Same sentence → becomes genuinely insulting

Tone matters as much as the words.

TL;DR

  • “What, are you stupid?” → “너 뭐야, 바보야?”
  • Common blunt version → “너 바보야?”
  • Use carefully — it can easily sound rude or confrontational in Korean culture.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.