qué pereza
/ke peɾeθa/from spelling rules
The Spanish expression for "how lazy" is qué pereza.
Qué pereza is an expression used to convey a feeling of reluctance or a lack of motivation to perform a specific task, often translated as "what a drag." It is used to describe a temporary feeling of laziness regarding an action rather than a person's permanent character trait. To describe a person who is characteristically lazy, you would use adjectives like perezoso or vaga.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "what laziness."
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the slang term huevón is used colloquially to describe someone as being lazy.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the formal way to ask how lazy someone is, the adjective must agree with the gender of the person: holgazán for males and holgazana for females. Similarly, flojo is for males and floja is for females.
How do you pronounce it?
/ke peɾeθa/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, qué pereza can be used as a polite way to decline an invitation without saying 'no' directly, implying that the effort of going is the problem rather than the event itself.
- While qué pereza is a common exclamation, in formal Spanish literature, the concept of 'laziness' is often discussed using acedía, a term specifically for spiritual sloth or listlessness.
- The slang term huevón used in Mexico is much more vulgar than qué pereza, as it refers to anatomical parts.
Examples in context
- ¡Qué pereza tener que estudiar hoy!How much of a drag it is having to study today!
- Tengo que estudiar, pero qué pereza.I have to study, but what a drag.
- Qué pereza tener que madrugar mañana.How much of a hassle it is to wake up early tomorrow.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their weekend plans.
- Daniel¿Quieres ir a correr al parque?Do you want to go running in the park?
- ElenaNo, qué pereza, prefiero quedarme en casa.No, I can't be bothered, I'd rather stay home.
- DanielEres una perezosa, Elena.You are lazy, Elena.
- ElenaSolo estoy un poco cansada, Daniel.I'm just a little tired, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
