hola, vago
/ˈola ˈbaɡo/word by word
The English phrase "hi, bum" is translated into Spanish as hola, vago.
This phrase is used as an informal greeting to address someone whom you are calling a lazy person.
What does it mean word for word?
The word vago literally means a lazy person or a bum.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase hola, vago is informal and should only be used with friends or people you know well.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, it is common to use exclamation marks to emphasize the greeting, as in ¡Hola, vago!
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈola ˈbaɡo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, using a derogatory label like vago within a greeting is a common way to show 'confianza', or close familiarity, between friends.
- The word vago shares its Latin root with the English word 'vague'. Both come from vagus, meaning 'wandering' or 'errant'.
- The word vago can also refer to someone who is homeless or wandering, mirroring the English 'vagrant'.
Examples in context
- Hola, vago, ¿qué haces aquí?Hi, bum, what are you doing here?
- ¡Hola, vago! Ponte a trabajar ya.Hi, bum! Get to work right now.
- Hola, vago, todavía estás en la cama.Hi, bum, you are still in bed.
Example conversation
Mateo walks into the living room where Lucía is lying on the sofa.
- MateoHola, vago, ¿estás descansando otra vez?Hi, bum, are you resting again?
- LucíaNo soy vago, solo estoy pensando.I'm not a bum, I'm just thinking.
- MateoClaro, piensa en lavar los platos.Sure, think about washing the dishes.
- LucíaEstá bien, lo haré en un momento.Alright, I'll do it in a moment.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (hola, vago) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hola, vago, CC BY-SA 4.0.
