a pregunta tonta, respuesta tonta
Lemma Details
Translation: a silly question deserves a silly answer; to a foolish question, a foolish answer
Part of Speech: proverb
Etymology: This Spanish proverb is constructed from 'a' (to/for), 'pregunta' (question, from Latin 'percontari' meaning 'to inquire thoroughly'), 'tonta' (silly/foolish, from Latin 'attonitus' meaning 'thunderstruck, stunned'), and 'respuesta' (answer, from Latin 'responsum' meaning 'something offered in return'). The structure follows the common proverbial pattern of cause and effect, suggesting that the nature of a response should match the nature of the inquiry.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
—¿Por qué el cielo es azul? —Porque no es verde. —A pregunta tonta, respuesta tonta.
—Why is the sky blue? —Because it's not green. —A silly question deserves a silly answer.
Si me preguntas si prefiero morir ahogado o quemado, te contestaré cualquier tontería. A pregunta tonta, respuesta tonta.
If you ask me whether I prefer to die by drowning or burning, I'll answer with any nonsense. A silly question deserves a silly answer.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'tonta' (silly) appearing twice to emphasize the matching nature of question and answer
- Visualize a ping-pong match where a weak serve (silly question) results in an equally weak return (silly answer)
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This proverb is commonly used in Spanish-speaking countries to dismiss questions considered obvious, irrelevant, or absurd. It reflects the cultural value placed on asking thoughtful, meaningful questions and suggests that the quality of an answer depends on the quality of the question posed.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'a pregunta tonta, respuesta tonta' suggests that silly questions deserve dismissive answers, 'no hay preguntas tontas' (there are no silly questions) encourages asking questions without fear of judgment.
Notes: These phrases represent opposing educational philosophies: one discourages frivolous questioning, while the other encourages inquiry without judgment.
Mnemonic: Think of 'a pregunta tonta, respuesta tonta' as matching silliness with silliness, while 'no hay preguntas tontas' opens the door to all questions.