Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term vago is informal. In light-hearted, informal contexts, you might also use perezoso/a to call someone a "lazybones". In certain Spanish-speaking countries like Chile and Peru, the more informal expression huevón/huevona is used to mean "You're a lazy bum".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the expression vago/a de siete suelas is commonly used to mean "You are a lazy person".
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes based on gender and number: vago is the masculine singular, vaga is the feminine singular, vagos is the masculine plural and vagas is the feminine plural. If you wish to use the word as an exclamation like "You bum!", you would typically use the word alone with an exclamation mark, such as ¡Vago!
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbaɡo/
Did you know?
- The word vago shares its roots with the English word 'vague', as both stem from the Latin idea of something that is wandering, imprecise, or unsettled.
- In some Latin American countries, huevón is so versatile that it can be a harsh insult for a 'bum' or a friendly term of endearment among close friends.
- In Spain, the phrase vago de siete suelas literally translates to 'lazy of seven soles', referring to the soles of a pair of shoes.
Examples in context
- No salgas con Juan, es un vago de mierda.Don't date Juan, he's a lazy piece of shit.
- Eres un vago.You are a bum.
- No trabajas nada, vago.You don't work at all, you bum.
- ¡Levántate, vago!Get up, you bum!
Example conversation
Elena finds Javier lying on the couch while the house is messy.
- JavierTengo mucho sueño ahora.I am very sleepy right now.
- Elena¡Levántate, Javier, eres un vago!Get up, Javier, you are a bum!
- JavierLo haré en diez minutos.I'll do it in ten minutes.
- ElenaSiempre dices lo mismo.You always say the same thing.
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.
