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"Maldecir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to curse", and "bendecir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to bless". Learn more about the difference between "maldecir" and "bendecir" below.
maldecir(
mahl
-
deh
-
seer
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to regret)
a. to curse
Maldigo la hora en que se me ocurrió invitarla a venir.I curse the moment I invited her to come.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to swear
Deja de maldecir y empieza a pensar en cómo vamos a salir de esta.Stop swearing and start thinking about how we're going to get out of this one.
b. to curse
Mi mamá siempre decía que si me oía maldecir, me lavaría la boca con jabón.My mom used to say she would wash my mouth with soap if she heard me cursing.
a. to complain bitterly
Colgó el teléfono y se puso a maldecir de su jefe.He hung up the phone and started complaining bitterly about his boss.
bendecir(
behn
-
deh
-
seer
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (religious)
a. to bless
El plan de paz ha sido bendecido por los Estados Unidos y la Unión Europea.The peace plan has been blessed by the US and the European Union.
