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"Buena" is a form of "bueno", an adjective which is often translated as "good". "Mal" is an adjective which is often translated as "bad". Learn more about the difference between "mal" and "buena" below.
mal(
mahl
)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. bad
El mal olor, desafortunadamente, venía de la cocina.The bad smell was, unfortunately, coming from the kitchen.
a. wrong
Eso está mal. La respuesta no es 17, es 27.That’s wrong. The answer’s not 17, it’s 27.
a. ill
Empezó a sentirse mal después de nadar en el río Hudson.He began to feel ill after swimming in the Hudson River.
b. sick
Estás mal porque comiste muchos dulces.You feel sick because you ate a lot of candy.
a. sad
Mi hermana estaba muy mal cuando se murió su perro.My sister was really sad when her dog died.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
adverb
a. badly
El tiro se hizo tan mal que casi era de risa.The shot was so badly made it was almost laughable.
a. incorrectly
Colocaron mal las cortinas.They put the curtains up incorrectly.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
a. evil
No sé si creo en el mal, pero creo que la gente es capaz de cometer acciones malas.I don't know if I believe in evil, but I believe people are capable of committing evil deeds.
a. illness
Su mal se mantenía controlado con medicamentos.Her illness was kept under control with medication.
a. harm
Una falta de oxígeno puede hacerle mal al cerebro.A lack of oxygen can cause harm to the brain.
a. misfortune
Los males que le dio la vida no la desanimaron.The misfortunes life sent her way didn't drag her down.
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bueno(
bweh
-
noh
)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. good
La dieta mediterránea es muy buena para la salud.The Mediterranean diet is very good for your health.
a. good
Esta herramienta es buena para montar cuadros.This tool is good for putting up a painting.
a. good
Quiero invertir en muebles buenos.I want to invest in a few good furniture pieces.
a. good
Un buen hombre dio su vida por la comunidad anoche.A good man gave his life in the service of this community last night.
a. good
La tarta de manzana estaba muy buena.The apple pie was very good.
6.
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
(colloquial)
(attractive)
a. hot (colloquial)
Ese actor está bien bueno.That actor is really hot.
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
interjection
a. ok
Creo que sería mejor ir al restaurante francés. - Bueno, vayamos.I think it'd be better to go to the French restaurant. - Ok, let's go.
a. so
Bueno, ¿vamos a pedir pizza o no?So, are we going to order pizza or not?
b. well
¿Quieres una taza de café? - Bueno, vale.Would you like a cup of coffee? - Well, ok.
9. (used when answering the phone)
Regionalism used in Mexico
(Mexico)
a. hello
¿Bueno? Sí, él habla.Hello? Yes, this is he.
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