Spanish Conversation · Level 124
60 words
Spanish word
vano
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈbano/
Meaning
- adjectivefutile
Example
Tu esfuerzo fue vano.
Your effort was futile.
More examples
Su comentario vano no ayudó a resolver el problema.
His meaningless comment did not help solve the problem.
Core concept
Person pushing a boulder uphill that rolls back.
Common phrases
comentario vano
meaningless comment
esfuerzo vano
futile effort
Similar words
inútil: Without practical use or benefit; does not contribute to the intended outcome.
inservible: Functionally useless for its intended use due to breakage, wear, or defect.
Definition in Spanish
Indica que un acto, intento o argumento resulta inútil o sin efecto práctico.
Word origin
From Latin vanus 'empty', which developed the sense 'empty of effect' and gave Spanish vano meaning 'futile'.
Usage tips
- 'En vano' matches English 'in vain' and appears often in formal writing, while in casual speech Spanish speakers often prefer phrases like 'no sirvió de nada' or 'fue inútil'.
Other meanings
- emptyadjective
- uselessadjective
Opposites
- útilusefuladjective
- provechosobeneficialadjective
Related words
- vanamentevainlyadverb
- vanidadvanitynoun