perezoso
/peɾeˈθoso/
The English phrase slowpoke is translated into Spanish as perezoso.
The word is used to describe a person who moves slowly.
Meaning: person who moves slowly (noun)
Which one should you use?
While perezoso is the standard term, you may encounter other words depending on the context. Tardón or tardona are used specifically for someone who is always running late or taking their sweet time, whereas caracol (which literally means snail) is a lighthearted way to call a friend a slowpoke.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun perezoso changes its ending based on gender and number: use perezosa for a female slowpoke, perezosos for a group of males or a mixed group and perezosas for a group of females.
How do you pronounce it?
/peɾeˈθoso/
Did you know?
- The term perezoso can also refer to the 'sloth' animal, the mammal known for its extremely slow movement.
- Even though perezoso is the standard translation, it can sound quite insulting if used in a formal setting, as it attacks a person's work ethic.
- The suffix -oso in perezoso is used in Spanish to turn nouns into adjectives meaning 'full of', similar to the English suffix '-ous' in 'joyous'.
Examples in context
- Mi hermano siempre llega tarde, es un verdadero tardón.My brother is always late, he's a real slowpoke.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are leaving the house.
- JavierLucía, ¿estás lista para irnos?Lucía, are you ready to go?
- LucíaSí, solo necesito mis zapatos.Yes, I just need my shoes.
- JavierApúrate, perezoso no se le dice a nadie pero tú lo eres.Hurry up, I don't call anyone a slowpoke but you are one.
- Lucía¡Ya voy, Javier, ten paciencia!I'm coming, Javier, have patience!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry perezoso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
