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vago

adjectiveCEFR B2

What does “vago” mean in English?

  1. vague — not clearly expressed or defined; lacking precision

    vague — not clearly expressed or defined; lacking precision (respuesta vaga, promesa vaga)

Example sentences

  • Tengo un recuerdo vago de aquel verano.

    I have a vague memory of that summer.

  • No des respuestas vagas; sé más concreto.

    Don't give vague answers; be more specific.

  • Es muy vago; nunca hace los deberes.

    He is very lazy; he never does his homework.

How to use it

'Vago/a' has two main senses: (1) vague/imprecise — una idea vaga; (2) lazy/idle (colloquial) — es muy vago para el trabajo. Ser vago (lazy) vs un recuerdo vago (vague memory). Context distinguishes sense. Note: in sense 2 it is pejorative.

Common mistake

Don't assume 'vago' only means vague — in everyday Spanish it frequently means lazy, which is the more colloquial meaning.

Topics

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