What does it mean word for word?
The phrase deja de ser literally means "leave of being" or "stop being".
Which one should you use?
While deja de ser perezoso is a standard way to express this, you can use different words depending on the context or region. For example, No seas tan vago means "Don't be so lazy" and deja de ser flojo is a common alternative in many parts of Latin America.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The level of formality depends on the verb conjugation used. Use deja de ser perezoso for an informal command.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, it is very common to use the word vago instead of perezoso, such as in the phrase deja de ser vago. In many parts of Latin America, flojo is a common synonym, as seen in deja de ser flojo.
How does it change in a sentence?
Spanish adjectives must agree with the gender and number of the person being addressed. If you are speaking to a woman, change the adjective to the feminine form perezosa. To tell a group of people to stop being lazy, use the plural form dejen de ser perezosos.
How do you pronounce it?
/dexa de seɾ peɾeθoso/
Did you know?
- The Spanish verb ser actually absorbed the ancient Latin verb sedēre, which means 'to sit', during its evolution in Old Spanish.
- While flojo means 'lazy' in many Latin American countries, in Spain it is more commonly used to describe something 'loose' or 'slack', such as a loose tooth or a loose screw.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone vago can imply not just laziness, but specifically that they are a wanderer or a vagabond.
Examples in context
- Deja de ser perezoso y encuentra algo que hacer.Stop being lazy and find something to do.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase deja de ser perezoso.Tatoeba #3153028 by cueyayotl, translation #24271 by CK
- Oye, amigo/a, deja de ser flojo/a y ponte las pilas. Necesitamos terminar este proyecto juntos, y sé que puedes hacerloHey, buddy, stop being lazy and get your act together. We need to finish this project together, and I know you can do it.
- ¡Ey, no seas tan vago/a y levántate del sofá! Hay muchas cosas emocionantes que podríamos hacer juntos, no pierdas la oportunidad.Hey, don't be so lazy and get up from the couch! There are so many exciting things we could do together, don't miss out.
- Deja de ser perezoso y limpia tu cuarto.Stop being lazy and clean your room.
- ¡Deja de ser perezoso y ayuda en la cocina!Stop being lazy and help in the kitchen!
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are at home on a Saturday morning.
- DanielElena, deja de ser perezoso y ayúdame.Elena, stop being lazy and help me.
- ElenaSolo quiero descansar un poco más.I just want to rest a bit more.
- DanielLlevas dos horas en el sofá.You have been on the sofa for two hours.
- ElenaEstá bien, ya me levanto.Alright, I'm getting up now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, deja, perezoso, ser, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
