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"Mala" is a form of "mala", a noun which is often translated as "mailbag". "Mal" is an adjective which is often translated as "bad". Learn more about the difference between "mal" and "mala" 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.
la mala(
mah
-
lah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
a. mailbag
No sé cómo el cartero logra cargar esa mala con lo grande que está.I don't know how the mailman manages to carry that mailbag, as big as it is.
a. mail (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
El cartero solía entregar la mala extranjera solo dos veces por semana.The mailman used to deliver foreign mail only twice a week.
b. post (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
La mayoría de la mala que me llega ahora son catálogos o facturas.Most of the post I receive nowadays is catalogues or bills.
