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"Mal" is an adjective which is often translated as "bad", and "quedar bien" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to make a good impression". Learn more about the difference between "mal" and "quedar 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.
quedar bien(
keh
-
dahr
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.).
a. to make a good impression
Con unas flores o una caja de bombones siempre quedas bien.With flowers or a box of chocolates, you are sure to make a good impression.
b. to make oneself look good
Yo creo que solo nos invitó para quedar bien.I think she only invited us to make herself look good.
a. to make a good impression on
Esta noche en la cena, recuerda que nos interesa quedar bien con ellos.This evening at dinner, don't forget we're interested in making a good impression on them.
b. to please
Intenté quedar bien con todo el mundo, pero al final nadie estaba contento.I tried to please everyone, but, in the end, no one was happy.
a. to look good
Para la señora mayor, este es un corte de pelo que puede quedar muy bien.For the older woman, this is a hairstyle that can look really good.
a. to look good with
Esta falda solo queda bien con zapatos de tacón.This skirt only looks good with high heels.
b. to go well with
La camiseta blanca quedará muy bien con los vaqueros.The white T-shirt will go very well with my jeans.
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 look good on
No te había visto nunca ese vestido. Te queda muy bien.I'd never seen you wearing that dress. It does look good on you.
b. to suit
El corte de pelo le queda bien, pero la dejaron demasiado rubia.The haircut suits her, but they dyed her hair too blond.
