vano
/VAH-noh/
futile
An attempt that produces no result is considered vano (futile).
vano(Adjective)
futile
?effort, attempt
,useless
?result, action
vain
?hope, quest
,pointless
?activity
📝 In Action
Todos sus ruegos fueron vanos.
B1All his pleas were futile/useless.
Trabajamos en vano, el proyecto fue cancelado.
B2We worked in vain (for nothing), the project was cancelled.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender and Number Match
Like most Spanish adjectives, 'vano' must change its ending to match the thing it describes. Use 'vano' for masculine singular nouns (el esfuerzo vano), 'vana' for feminine singular (la esperanza vana), 'vanos' for masculine plural, and 'vanas' for feminine plural.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'vano' instead of 'vacío'
Mistake: "La caja es vana."
Correction: La caja está vacía. ('Vano' describes lack of result or purpose, not physical emptiness. Use 'vacío' for something physically empty.)
⭐ Usage Tips
The most common form: En Vano
You will hear the phrase 'en vano' (in vain) constantly. It means 'without success' or 'for nothing.' Memorize this fixed phrase first: 'Lo intentó en vano.'
Someone overly focused on their own appearance or achievements is vano (vain).
vano(Adjective)
vain
?conceited, self-absorbed
,conceited
?personality description
arrogant
?often implying superficiality
📝 In Action
Ella es muy vana; solo se mira en el espejo.
B2She is very vain; she only looks at herself in the mirror.
Sus palabras eran vanas y superficiales.
C1His words were empty (vain) and superficial.
⭐ Usage Tips
Connecting Meanings
Think of this meaning as describing someone whose pride is 'empty' or 'without substance,' linking it back to the core meaning of futility.
An empty space or vano (opening) in a wall or structure.
📝 In Action
El arquitecto diseñó un gran vano para la puerta principal.
C1The architect designed a large opening for the main door.
Los vanos de las ventanas permitían la entrada de luz.
C2The window openings allowed the entry of light.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Masculine
When 'vano' is used as a noun meaning 'opening' or 'void,' it is always masculine ('el vano'), regardless of the gender of the object it refers to (like 'la ventana' or 'la puerta').
⭐ Usage Tips
Specialized Context
Unless you are reading architectural texts or technical descriptions, you will almost always use 'vano' as an adjective, not as a noun.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: vano
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'vano' in its most common meaning?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'vano' and 'vacío'?
'Vano' means 'futile' or 'useless' (lacking a result or purpose): 'un intento vano' (a futile attempt). 'Vacío' means 'empty' (lacking physical contents): 'un vaso vacío' (an empty glass). They are not interchangeable in modern common usage.
How do I use the phrase 'en vano'?
'En vano' is an adverbial phrase meaning 'in vain' or 'for nothing.' It always stays the same and usually follows the verb: 'Esperé por horas en vano' (I waited for hours in vain).