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"Mal" is an adjective which is often translated as "bad", and "portarse bien" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to be good". Learn more about the difference between "mal" and "portarse 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.
portarse bien(
pohr
-
tahr
-
seh
byehn
)An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
b. to behave well
Si te portas bien, el domingo te llevo conmigo a pescar.If you behave well, I'll take you fishing with me on Sunday.
c. to behave oneself
Llevas el sándwich en la mochila. Y, Byron, por favor pórtate bien.Your sandwich is in your backpack. And, Byron, please behave yourself.
a. to treat well
Todo el personal del hotel se portó muy bien con nosotros.All the hotel staff treated us very well.
