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How to Say "drag" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “drag” is “lata” — use 'lata' to describe something that is a bother, tedious, or generally annoying, often referring to a situation or task you dislike.

English → Spanish

lata

LAH-tahˈlata

nounB1informal
Use 'lata' to describe something that is a bother, tedious, or generally annoying, often referring to a situation or task you dislike.
A cartoon character with a visibly frustrated and annoyed expression, rubbing their temples while a small, persistent mosquito buzzes near their ear.

Examples

¡Qué lata tener que esperar tanto!

What a pain having to wait so long!

Mi hermano me está dando la lata con su música.

My brother is bothering me with his music.

Es una lata tener que llenar todos estos formularios.

It's a hassle having to fill out all these forms.

Verbs for Annoyance

The most common way to use this meaning is with the verb 'dar' (to give): 'dar la lata' means 'to give someone hassle' or 'to annoy them.' This is always used informally.

Literal Translation

Mistake: “Using 'lata' (can) to mean 'I can' (ability).”

Correction: Remember that 'lata' is only a noun. To express ability, use 'poder' (e.g., 'Yo puedo').

rollo

ROH-yohˈro.ʎo

nounB2informal
Choose 'rollo' when referring to an experience, event, or thing that is exceptionally boring or uninteresting.
A child sits slumped at a wooden table, resting their head on their hand, looking extremely bored while staring at a single, long strand of spaghetti that stretches across the table.

Examples

¡Qué rollo de película! No pasa nada interesante.

What a boring movie! Nothing interesting happens.

Tener que esperar una hora en la cola fue un rollo.

Having to wait an hour in line was a drag/hassle.

Mi jefe se pone muy rollo cuando habla de sus vacaciones.

My boss gets really boring/tedious when he talks about his vacation.

Expressing Boredom

When 'rollo' means 'bore,' it is usually used with 'ser' (to be) or in the exclamation '¡Qué rollo!' to show strong frustration or boredom.

Confusing 'Rollo' and 'Aburrido'

Mistake: “Using 'Estoy rollo' to mean 'I am bored.'”

Correction: Use 'Estoy aburrido/a' for 'I am bored.' 'Soy un rollo' means 'I am a boring person.'

plomo

PLOH-mohˈplomo

nounB2informal
Use 'plomo' to describe a person who is a bore or a situation that is dull and unengaging.
A man sitting on a chair looking very sleepy and bored.

Examples

Tu primo es un plomo; no para de hablar de sus sellos.

Your cousin is such a bore; he doesn't stop talking about his stamps.

¡Qué plomo de película! Me quedé dormido.

What a drag of a movie! I fell asleep.

ladrillo

lah-DREE-yohlaˈðɾiʝo

nounB2informal
Employ 'ladrillo' to describe a task, book, or piece of work that is extremely tedious and difficult to get through.
A person sitting on a chair looking very tired and yawning while looking at a very thick, heavy book.

Examples

Ese libro de historia es un ladrillo.

That history book is a real bore (heavy going).

La conferencia fue un ladrillo y me quedé dormido.

The lecture was a total drag and I fell asleep.

No veas esa película, es un ladrillo de tres horas.

Don't watch that movie; it's a three-hour bore.

Using with 'Ser'

To describe something as boring using this word, always use the verb 'ser' (to be) because it's considered a characteristic of the thing.

The Indefinite Article

Even when you use it as an adjective in English (it's boring), in Spanish you keep the 'un' (it's 'a' brick).

Using 'Estar'

Mistake: “Saying 'La clase está un ladrillo.'”

Correction: Say 'La clase es un ladrillo.' We use 'es' for things that are boring by nature.

tirar

TEE-rehˈti.ɾe

verbB1
Use 'tirar' exclusively when you mean the physical act of pulling or dragging something heavy.
A child using a rope to pull a bright red toy wagon across a grassy surface.

Examples

Le pido que tire la cuerda con fuerza.

I ask that you (formal) pull the rope hard.

Si usted no tire de la manija, la puerta no abre.

If you don't pull the handle, the door won't open.

Confusing Tedium with Physical Pulling

The most common mistake is using a word for 'boring' when you actually mean the physical act of 'dragging' or pulling something. Remember that 'tirar' is the only option for the physical action; the others ('lata', 'rollo', 'plomo', 'ladrillo') all describe something tedious or boring.

Related Translations

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