vago
/ˈbaɡo/
The Spanish word for 'vague' is vago.
The primary meaning of vago is something that is not clearly defined, grasped or understood. However, be aware that vago(a) can also mean lazy or idle.
Meaning: not clearly defined, grasped, or understood (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, vago must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use vago for masculine singular nouns, vaga for feminine singular nouns, vagos for masculine plural nouns or groups of mixed gender and vagas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbaɡo/
Did you know?
- While English uses 'vague' to describe thoughts, in Spanish, describing a person as vago can imply they are a 'vagabond' or someone who wanders without purpose.
- The word vago shares an unexpected linguistic ancestor with the English word 'vacant', as both trace back to the Latin vacuus, meaning 'empty'.
- While vago can mean 'lazy', it is often used as a noun in Spanish to call someone a 'slacker' or a 'bum'.
Examples in context
- Eso es muy vago.That's very vague.This sentence shows how to use vago to describe a situation.Tatoeba #12201116 by megamanenm, translation #2251329 by CK
- Ella hizo algunos comentarios vagos sobre el asunto.She made a few vague comments about the matter.This sentence shows how to use vago to modify comments.Tatoeba #580800 by darinmex, translation #311424 by CM
- Tus instrucciones son demasiado imprecisas. Necesito más detalles.Your instructions are too vague. I need more details.
- La fecha de entrega es indeterminada. No tenemos una fecha exacta aún.The delivery date is vague. We don't have an exact date yet.
- Su recuerdo del accidente es muy vago.His memory of the accident is very vague.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are discussing a project plan.
- MateoEl plan para el proyecto es demasiado vago.The plan for the project is too vague.
- LucíaTienes razón, Lucía lo redactó muy rápido.You are right, Lucía wrote it very quickly.
- MateoNecesitamos detalles más específicos.We need more specific details.
- LucíaLe pediré a ella que lo aclare.I will ask her to clarify it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry vago, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vago, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
