vano
Lemma Details
Translation: vain; empty; hollow; futile; useless; idle
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: From Latin 'vanus' meaning 'empty, void, or without substance'. This same Latin root gave English the word 'vain' and 'vanity'. The connection between emptiness and vanity comes from the idea that vain pursuits lack substance or meaningful content. The Spanish 'vano' preserves both the physical sense of emptiness and the metaphorical sense of futility or uselessness.
Commonality: 60%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Sus esfuerzos fueron en vano.
His efforts were in vain.
Es un hombre vano que solo piensa en su apariencia.
He is a vain man who only thinks about his appearance.
La columna es vana por dentro.
The column is hollow inside.
Tenía una vana esperanza de ganar la lotería.
He had a vain hope of winning the lottery.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'vano' as related to English 'vain' - both refer to emptiness or lack of substance.
- Picture a 'vain' person as having an 'empty' personality - connecting the English cognate to the Spanish meaning.
- For the 'hollow' meaning, imagine a 'vano' as a hollow tube or pipe.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish literature and philosophy, the concept of 'lo vano' (the vain or empty) is often contrasted with 'lo sustancial' (the substantial) in discussions about the meaning of life and authentic existence. The phrase 'en vano' (in vain) is particularly common in everyday speech.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Vano' means empty or vain, while 'baño' means bathroom or bath. They look and sound similar but have completely different meanings.
Confused word:
Voy al baño.
I'm going to the bathroom.
Notes: The pronunciation difference is subtle in many Spanish dialects where 'b' and 'v' sound similar.
Mnemonic: 'Baño' has a 'b' like 'bathroom', while 'vano' has a 'v' like 'vain'.
Explanation: 'Vano' means empty or vain, while 'sano' means healthy or sound. They rhyme but have different meanings and initial consonants.
This word:
Es un orgullo vano.
It's a vain pride.
Confused word:
Lleva un estilo de vida sano.
He leads a healthy lifestyle.
Notes: Both are common adjectives that can describe both physical and abstract qualities.
Mnemonic: 'Sano' starts with 's' like 'sound' or 'salud' (health), while 'vano' starts with 'v' like 'vain'.