vago
“vago” means “lazy” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
lazy, idle
Also: slacker
📝 In Action
Eres muy vago y nunca lavas los platos.
A2You are very lazy and never wash the dishes.
El profesor regañó a los alumnos vagos por no hacer la tarea.
B1The teacher scolded the lazy students for not doing the homework.
Pasa todo el día siendo un vago, viendo televisión.
B2He spends all day being an idler, watching television.
vague, unspecified
Also: hazy
📝 In Action
Tengo un recuerdo muy vago de mi infancia.
B2I have a very vague memory of my childhood.
La respuesta del político fue demasiado vaga e imprecisa.
C1The politician's answer was too vague and imprecise.
Siento un dolor vago en el estómago, no puedo señalarlo.
C2I feel a vague pain in my stomach; I can't pinpoint it.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: vago
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'vago' to describe something unclear, not someone lazy?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin term *vagus*, which meant 'wandering' or 'roving.' This root connects both modern meanings: a lazy person 'wanders' away from work, and a vague idea is 'wandering' or 'unfixed' in the mind.
First recorded: Around the 13th century in Spanish.
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'vago' offensive when calling someone lazy?
While 'vago' is a common, neutral way to say 'lazy,' it can be considered rude or critical depending on your tone and the context. Use it carefully, especially when speaking to superiors or people you don't know well.
How do I make 'vago' plural?
Like most Spanish words ending in a vowel, you just add an 's': 'vagOs' (male/mixed group) or 'vagAs' (female group).