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"Mal" is an adjective which is often translated as "bad", and "caer bien" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to like". Learn more about the difference between "mal" and "caer bien" 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.
caer bien(
kah
-
ehr
byehn
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
a. to like
¿Te cae bien la nueva profesora de inglés?Do you like the new English teacher?
Sus hermanos me caen muy bien.I like her brothers a lot.
caerse bien
A pronominal verb phrase combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Se dio cuenta del problema.)
a. to like each other
Ya sabes que tu hermano y yo no nos caemos bien.You know your brother and I don't like each other.
b. to get on
Es evidente que Jorge y Tere no se caen bien.It's obvious that Jorge and Tere don't get on.
