"En vano" is an adverbial phrase in Spanish.
/ɛn ˈβano/
"En vano" is an idiomatic expression used to indicate that an effort, action, or intention has been made without a successful result or to no avail. It suggests a lack of success or the absence of a desired outcome after investing time, resources, or energy. The phrase is commonly used in various contexts, including conversations, literature, and formal writing. It tends to appear more frequently in written Spanish but is also used in oral speech.
Hice todo lo posible en vano para convencerlo de que viniera.
I did everything possible in vain to convince him to come.
Ella buscó en vano su libro desaparecido.
She searched in vain for her missing book.
Luchamos en vano por la justicia y la igualdad.
We fought in vain for justice and equality.
"En vano" is frequently used in idiomatic expressions to convey futility or lack of success. Here are some examples:
Estudié en vano para el examen y no aprobé.
I studied in vain for the exam and didn’t pass.
Pidan lo que pidan, lo que sea en vano si no hay presupuesto.
Whatever they ask for, it will be in vain if there's no budget.
No vale la pena intentarlo; será un esfuerzo en vano.
It's not worth trying; it will be a futile effort.
Su advertencia fue en vano; no escucharon.
His warning was in vain; they did not listen.
La llamada fue en vano porque no obtuvo respuesta.
The call was in vain because he got no answer.
Esperar una disculpa de él es en vano.
Expecting an apology from him is in vain.
Pensar que se puede cambiar a alguien es en vano.
Thinking that you can change someone is in vain.
Rogar en vano nunca ha solucionado nada.
Begging in vain has never solved anything.
The phrase "en vano" translates directly to "in vain," with "en" meaning "in" and "vano," derived from the Latin word "vanus," which means "empty" or "void." This reflects its current meaning of lack of success or uselessness.
This information should help you understand the phrase "en vano" in depth, including its usage, idiomatic expressions, and related linguistic details.