Pereza vs. flojera vs. vagancia
The three Spanish terms 'pereza', 'flojera', and 'vagancia' all broadly translate to the English word 'laziness'. However, each term has a unique shade of meaning specific to certain contexts, which differentiates them from each other.
Pereza
Pereza directly translates to 'sloth' and implies an aversion or unwillingness to work or make an effort. The focus is more on a lack of motivation rather than on the act of being unproductive.
No quiero hacer ejercicio hoy, tengo mucha pereza.
(I don't want to exercise today, I'm feeling very lazy.)
Flojera
'Flojera' refers more specifically to physical laziness or fatigue, and it implies a lack of energy or desire to act. This term can suggest either temporary tiredness due to a long day or chronic lethargy.
Después de un largo día de trabajo, sentí una gran flojera.
(After a long day of work, I felt really lazy.)
Vagancia
'Vagancia', while it still relates to laziness, carries with it a social judgment. It is more strongly associated with the idea of loafing around or being unproductive in a negative sense. This term would likely be used to describe someone who deliberately avoids doing productive work.
El chico ha dejado la escuela y se ha entregado a la vagancia.
(The boy has left school and given himself over to idleness.)
Summary
'Pereza', 'flojera', and 'vagancia' all convey varying nuances of the idea of laziness. While 'pereza' reflects more of an unwillingness or lack of motivation, 'flojera' relates mainly to physical tiredness or lethargy, and 'vagancia' carries a social judgment about being idle.