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How to Say "idle" in Spanish

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vago

/VAH-go//ˈba.ɣo/

adjectiveA2informal
Use 'vago' when describing someone who is generally lazy or not doing anything productive, often implying a lack of effort or willingness to work.
A cartoon character lying in a bright red hammock, relaxing completely while a small pile of work tools sits unused on the ground nearby.

Examples

Eres muy vago y nunca lavas los platos.

You are very lazy and never wash the dishes.

El profesor regañó a los alumnos vagos por no hacer la tarea.

The teacher scolded the lazy students for not doing the homework.

Pasa todo el día siendo un vago, viendo televisión.

He spends all day being an idler, watching television.

Gender Matching

Like many Spanish adjectives, 'vago' must match the gender of the person you are describing. Use 'vago' for men/boys and 'vaga' for women/girls.

Confusing 'Vago' (Lazy) and 'Perezoso' (Lazy)

Mistake: “Using 'perezoso' when you mean 'vago' in certain regions.”

Correction: While both mean lazy, 'vago' is often used more broadly to mean someone who avoids responsibility, while 'perezoso' focuses more on physical sluggishness. Both are correct, but 'vago' is usually more common in Spain and parts of Latin America.

echado

eh-CHAH-doh/eˈt͡ʃa.ðo/

adjectiveB1informal
Use 'echado' to describe someone who is habitually inactive or lazy, often implying they are lounging around and avoiding tasks.
A cartoon fox sleeping soundly in a colorful hammock strung between two trees. Beside the hammock is a large pile of dirty dishes and a sponge, completely ignored by the sleeping fox.

Examples

Es muy echado y nunca ayuda con las tareas de la casa.

He is very lazy and never helps with the housework.

Si eres tan echado, nunca terminarás el proyecto a tiempo.

If you are so idle/lazy, you will never finish the project on time.

Figurative Meaning

This meaning is figurative, suggesting someone is 'laid down' or 'cast aside' due to their unwillingness to act. It is used with the verb 'ser' (to be, permanent quality) when describing a character trait.

vagabundo

/va-ga-BUN-do//baɣaˈβundo/

adjectiveB2
Use 'vagabundo' to describe a spirit or tendency towards wandering or being aimless, rather than a state of laziness.
A simple, winding dirt path stretching across an open green landscape, leading toward a distant horizon, symbolizing endless travel.

Examples

Su espíritu vagabundo lo llevó a explorar el mundo.

His wandering spirit led him to explore the world.

La vida vagabunda no es para todos; se necesita mucha valentía.

The roaming life isn't for everyone; it takes a lot of courage.

Agreement is Key

As an adjective, 'vagabundo' must change its ending to match the noun it describes. Use 'vagabunda' (feminine singular), 'vagabundos' (masculine plural), or 'vagabundas' (feminine plural).

Vago vs. Echado

Learners often confuse 'vago' and 'echado' because both relate to laziness. 'Vago' is more general and can simply mean not doing anything, while 'echado' specifically implies a habitual state of inactivity or lounging around.

Related Translations

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