vagabundo
/va-ga-BUN-do/
vagabond
The noun vagabundo refers to a person who wanders or is homeless, often traveling with few possessions.
vagabundo(noun)
vagabond
?a person who wanders
,tramp
?a homeless person (can be derogatory)
homeless person
?less common than 'persona sin hogar'
,wanderer
?someone who travels without a destination
📝 In Action
El vagabundo pidió unas monedas cerca de la estación de tren.
B1The vagabond asked for some change near the train station.
La policía detuvo a un vagabundo que dormía en la fuente pública.
B2The police detained a homeless person who was sleeping in the public fountain.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Agreement
Since this is a noun referring to a person, remember to use 'vagabunda' when referring to a woman.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using it too broadly
Mistake: "Using 'vagabundo' for anyone traveling lightly."
Correction: While it means 'wanderer,' it usually implies poverty or lack of purpose. Use 'mochilero' (backpacker) or 'viajero' (traveler) for non-derogatory wandering.
⭐ Usage Tips
Be sensitive
In formal or sensitive contexts, use 'persona sin hogar' (person without a home) or 'persona sin techo' (person without a roof) as they are more respectful and neutral alternatives.
As an adjective, vagabundo describes something that is wandering or nomadic, reflecting a spirit of constant travel.
vagabundo(adjective)
wandering
?describing a nomadic lifestyle or spirit
,roaming
?moving from place to place
idle
?describing time or activity (less common than 'ocioso')
📝 In Action
Su espíritu vagabundo lo llevó a explorar el mundo.
B2His wandering spirit led him to explore the world.
La vida vagabunda no es para todos; se necesita mucha valentía.
C1The roaming life isn't for everyone; it takes a lot of courage.
💡 Grammar Points
Agreement is Key
As an adjective, 'vagabundo' must change its ending to match the noun it describes. Use 'vagabunda' (feminine singular), 'vagabundos' (masculine plural), or 'vagabundas' (feminine plural).
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Objects
You can sometimes use this to describe things, like 'una mirada vagabunda' (a wandering gaze), meaning the eyes are not focused or are looking around aimlessly.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: vagabundo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'vagabundo' as an adjective, describing a characteristic?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'vagabundo' considered an offensive word?
It depends heavily on context. While it literally means 'wanderer,' it often carries negative connotations of idleness or homelessness. It's generally safer and more respectful to use neutral terms like 'persona sin hogar' (person without a home) if you are referring to someone experiencing homelessness.
What is the verb form of 'vagabundo'?
The verb is 'vagabundear,' which means 'to wander aimlessly' or 'to roam around.'