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How to Say "drag" in Spanish

English → Spanish

lata

LAH-tah/ˈlata/

nounB1informal
Use 'lata' to describe something that is a nuisance, a bore, or a tedious task, often expressing mild annoyance.
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 bother 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-yoh/ˈro.ʎo/

nounB2informal
Use 'rollo' to describe a boring movie, event, or situation that is uninteresting and lacks excitement.
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-moh//ˈplomo/

nounB2informal
Use 'plomo' to describe a person who is a bore or a situation that is extremely dull and tiresome.
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.

tirar

verbB1
Use 'tirar' when you mean to physically pull or drag something heavy with effort.

Examples

Le pido que tire la cuerda con fuerza.

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

Bore vs. Pull

The most common mistake is confusing the nouns that mean 'bore' ('lata', 'rollo', 'plomo') with the verb 'tirar' which means 'to pull'. Remember that 'tirar' is about physical action, while the others describe tediousness or boredom.

Related Translations

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