How to Say "lazy" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “lazy” is “perezoso” — use 'perezoso' to describe a general state of being lazy or a lazy behavior, applicable to people or actions.
perezoso
peh-reh-SOH-sohpeɾeˈsoso
Examples
Mi hermano es muy perezoso y nunca limpia su habitación.
My brother is very lazy and never cleans his room.
Hoy me siento un poco perezoso, no quiero ir al gimnasio.
I feel a bit lazy today, I don't want to go to the gym.
Tuvimos un domingo perezoso viendo películas en el sofá.
We had a lazy Sunday watching movies on the couch.
Matching the Person
Since this is an adjective, you must change the ending to 'perezosa' if you are describing a woman or a feminine object.
Ser vs. Estar
Use 'ser' if laziness is a permanent part of someone's personality. Use 'estar' if someone is just feeling lazy at this particular moment.
Lazy vs. Slow
Mistake: “Using 'perezoso' to mean a car is slow.”
Correction: Use 'lento' for speed. 'Perezoso' describes a lack of motivation, not physical speed.
vago
VAH-goˈba.ɣo
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.
flojo
FLO-hoˈflox o
Examples
No seas flojo y ayúdame a limpiar.
Don't be lazy and help me clean.
Hoy me siento un poco flojo y no quiero ir al gimnasio.
Today I feel a bit lazy and I don't want to go to the gym.
Aquel estudiante es muy flojo; nunca hace la tarea.
That student is very lazy; he never does his homework.
Matching Gender and Number
Remember to change the ending to match who you are talking about: 'flojo' for a man, 'floja' for a woman, 'flojos' for a group of men, and 'flojas' for a group of women.
Using 'estar' vs 'ser'
Mistake: “Él está flojo (to mean he is a lazy person).”
Correction: Use 'ser' (Él es flojo) for a personality trait. Use 'estar' only if someone is feeling lazy specifically in this moment.
echado
eh-CHAH-doheˈt͡ʃa.ðo
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.
ganso
GAHN-soˈɡanso
Examples
¡No seas ganso! Deja de decir tonterías.
Don't be silly! Stop talking nonsense.
Ese chico es un poco ganso, siempre está haciendo bromas.
That boy is a bit of a clown, he's always making jokes.
Se quedó ahí parado como un ganso sin hacer nada.
He just stood there like a lazy fool doing nothing.
Using it as a Noun
Even though it is an adjective, you can use it like a noun by saying 'un ganso' (a silly guy) or 'una gansa' (a silly girl).
Translation Trap
Mistake: “Saying 'él es un ganso' when you mean he is mean.”
Correction: 'Ganso' usually implies someone is silly or lazy, not necessarily mean or evil.
Choosing between 'perezoso' and 'vago'
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