How to Say "lazy" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “lazy” is “vago” — use 'vago' to describe someone who generally dislikes work or avoids effort, often implying a habitual state..
vago
/VAH-go//ˈba.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.
echado
eh-CHAH-doh/eˈt͡ʃa.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.
Vago vs. Echado Nuances
Related Translations
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