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"Tarde" is a form of "tarde", an adverb which is often translated as "late". "Mal" is an adjective which is often translated as "bad". Learn more about the difference between "mal" and "tarde" 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.
tarde, la tarde(
tahr
-
deh
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
a. afternoon (from noon until sunset)
Esta tarde me voy de compras con mis amigas.I'm going shopping with my friends this afternoon.
b. evening (around sunset)
Te veré esta tarde después del trabajo.I'll see you this evening after work.