vs
QUICK ANSWER
"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).
a. bad
El mal olor, desafortunadamente, venía de la cocina.The bad smell was, unfortunately, coming from the kitchen.
2. (incorrect)
3. (not well)
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
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.
8. (sickness)
a. illness
Su mal se mantenía controlado con medicamentos.Her illness was kept under control with medication.
9. (harm)
a. harm
Una falta de oxígeno puede hacerle mal al cerebro.A lack of oxygen can cause harm to the brain.
10. (bad luck)
a. misfortune
Los males que le dio la vida no la desanimaron.The misfortunes life sent her way didn't drag her down.
bueno(
bweh
-
noh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (beneficial)
a. good
La dieta mediterránea es muy buena para la salud.The Mediterranean diet is very good for your health.
2. (useful)
4. (virtuous)
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.
5. (delicious)
6. (colloquial) (attractive)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
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.