vago
everyday, Puerto Rico
In Puerto Rico a lazy person is called vago or vaga. Flojo is also very common, and perezoso is the standard word.
Meaning: unwilling to work or make effort (adjective)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| vago | everyday, Puerto Rico |
| Flojo | casual |
| Perezoso | standard |
Vago is the usual everyday word for someone who avoids work or chores. Families use it jokingly, as in No seas vago.
Which one should you use?
Perezoso is more neutral and also names the sloth animal. Flojo sounds casual and light, so it is often used to tease.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use ser for a lasting trait (es vago) and estar for a temporary mood, as in hoy estoy flojo.
Did you know?
- Spanish uses the same word perezoso for a lazy person and for the sloth, the slow tree animal.
Examples in context
- No seas vago y ayuda con los platos.Do not be lazy and help with the dishes.
- Mi hermano es bien flojo.My brother is really lazy.
- Hoy me siento perezosa.Today I feel lazy.
Example conversation
Isabel nudges her teenage brother Andrés on a Saturday morning in Mayagüez.
- IsabelAndrés, levántate, no seas vago.Andrés, get up, do not be lazy.
- AndrésEs sábado, déjame dormir.It is Saturday, let me sleep.
- IsabelMami dijo que limpies tu cuarto.Mom said to clean your room.
