vaina
“vaina” means “thing” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
thing
Also: nuisance, stuff
📝 In Action
¿Qué es esa vaina que tienes en la mano?
A1What is that thing you have in your hand?
¡Qué vaina! Se me olvidaron las llaves en casa.
A2What a pain! I forgot my keys at home.
No me vengas con esa vaina ahora.
B1Don't come to me with that nonsense right now.
pod
Also: sheath, scabbard
📝 In Action
Tienes que quitar los guisantes de la vaina.
B2You have to remove the peas from the pod.
El caballero metió la espada en su vaina.
C1The knight put the sword in its sheath.
La vainilla viene de una vaina de orquídea.
B2Vanilla comes from an orchid pod.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: vaina
Question 1 of 3
If someone in Venezuela says, 'Pásame esa vaina,' what do they want?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'vagina,' which means 'sheath' or 'scabbard.' Over time, it was used to describe anything that covers or contains something else, eventually becoming a general word for 'thing' in Latin America.
First recorded: 13th century
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 'vaina' a curse word?
Not exactly, but it is very informal. In some countries or strictly religious circles, it might be seen as slightly vulgar or 'low-class' if overused, but generally, it's just very casual slang.
Does 'vaina' mean the same thing in Spain as in Mexico?
No. In Spain, it almost always means 'pod' or 'sheath.' In Mexico, it is used less than in the Caribbean, where it is a universal filler word.
What is the difference between 'vaina' and 'cosa'?
'Cosa' is the standard word for 'thing' used everywhere. 'Vaina' is a more colorful, informal, and regionally specific version that can also carry a sense of annoyance.