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zángano means drone / lazy bum — a common term in Funny Words. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: September 4, 2025

😆 Funny Words

zángano

noun • /[ZAN-gah-no]/

drone / lazy bum

Example:

Ese zángano no trabaja nunca.

That lazy bum never works.

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🧠 What does zángano mean?

Zángano is a versatile Spanish word with two main meanings. Firstly, it refers to a male honeybee, the drone. Secondly, and perhaps more commonly, it's used figuratively to describe a lazy person, a loafer, or someone who avoids work and sponges off others. Think of it as a slightly more colorful way of saying 'lazy bum,' 'slacker,' or 'idler.'

📚 Extra examples

  • Ese zángano no ha hecho nada en todo el día.
    That drone hasn't done anything all day.
  • No seas zángano, ayúdame con la mudanza.
    Don't be a lazy bum, help me with the move.
  • La colmena estaba llena de zánganos.
    The beehive was full of drones.
  • Mi hermano es un zángano; siempre está jugando videojuegos.
    My brother is a lazy bum; he's always playing video games.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'drone / lazy bum' in Spanish?
You can say 'zángano' which covers both the insect and the lazy person meaning.
How do you pronounce 'zángano' in Spanish?
It's pronounced than-GA-no, with the 'z' making a 'th' sound like in 'thin'.
How do you use 'zángano' in a sentence?
You can use it like this: 'No seas zángano, lava los platos' (Don't be a lazy bum, wash the dishes) or 'La abeja reina se rodeaba de zánganos' (The queen bee surrounded herself with drones).
What is the English translation of 'zángano'?
It translates to 'drone' (the bee) or 'lazy bum,' 'loafer,' 'idler,' or 'slacker.'
Does 'zángano' change for gender or number?
Yes, for plural you use 'zánganos'. The feminine form, 'zángana', is rarely used and usually only refers to a lazy woman in a very informal context.
Is 'zángano' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, especially the figurative meaning referring to a lazy person. It's understood across Spain and Latin America.
Does 'zángano' have slang or double meanings?
While its primary meaning is fairly straightforward, using 'zángano' to call someone lazy can be considered slightly insulting, so use with caution.
Is 'zángano' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
Not really. The meaning and usage are pretty consistent across both regions.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "zángano"

Synonyms: holgazán, vago, gandul, flojo
Opposites: trabajador, diligente, laborioso

💡 Did You Know?

In some Latin American countries, 'zángano' can also refer to a spinning top toy.

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