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"Malo" is an adjective which is often translated as "bad", and "mal" is an adjective which is also often translated as "bad". Learn more about the difference between "malo" and "mal" below.
malo, el malo, la mala(
mah
-
loh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (in quality)
2. (in morals)
3. (sickly)
6. (unpleasant)
a. naughty
Era un cachorro tan malo que tuvimos que regalarlo.He was such a naughty puppy that we had to give him away.
This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
10. (bad person)
b. baddy (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
La protagonista se enamora de uno de los malos.The protagonist falls in love with one of the baddies.
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.
