ojo vago
/oxo baɡo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "lazy eye" is translated into Spanish as ojo vago.
This phrase refers to a medical or physical condition where one eye does not focus as well as the other.
Which one should you use?
You may also encounter ojo perezoso or ojo flojo.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the expression ojo flojo is commonly used instead of ojo perezoso.
Did you know?
- The English word 'ogle' is a distant relative of the Spanish ojo. Both words trace their lineage back to the same Proto-Indo-European root describing the eye or seeing.
- The word ojo is used in dozens of Spanish idioms to mean 'watch out' or 'pay attention', moving far beyond the medical meaning of the organ.
- In Spanish, the adjective vago does not only describe a lack of effort but can also describe an imprecise or 'vague' idea.
Examples in context
- Tenía un ojo vago.She had a lazy eye.This sentence is useful for describing someone who had an ojo vago.Tatoeba #881955 by DanaDescalza, translation #712823 by papabear
- Mi primo tiene un ojo vago desde que era pequeño.My cousin has had a lazy eye since he was little.
- ¿Sabes qué es un ojo flojo? Es cuando uno de los ojos no trabaja correctamente.Do you know what a lazy eye is? It's when one of the eyes doesn't work properly.
- Él tiene un ojo vago desde niño.He has had a lazy eye since he was a child.
- El doctor examinó su ojo vago.The doctor examined his lazy eye.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are discussing a medical appointment.
- AlejandroMaría, el médico dice que tengo un ojo vago.María, the doctor says I have a lazy eye.
- MaríaNo sabía que tenías un ojo vago, Alejandro.I didn't know you had a lazy eye, Alejandro.
- AlejandroYo tampoco, pero ahora necesito usar un parche.I didn't either, but now I need to wear a patch.
- MaríaEspero que el tratamiento funcione pronto.I hope the treatment works soon.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ojo, vago, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
