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"Poorly" is an adverb which is often translated as "mal", and "bad" is an adjective which is often translated as "malo". Learn more about the difference between "poorly" and "bad" below.
poorly(
por
-
li
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
1. (badly)
2. (shabbily)
a. pobremente
Alex was poorly dressed for the conference because the airline lost the bag where he had his suits.Alex iba pobremente vestido a la conferencia porque el aerolínea perdió la maleta con todos sus trajes.
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
3. (sick)
a. enfermo
My doggie is poorly after scoffing a pound of gummy beans.Mi perrito está enfermo después de zamparse una libra de caramelos de goma.
b. mal
My daughter feels poorly and stayed home from school today.Mi hija se siente mal y no fue a la escuela hoy.
c. pachucho (colloquial) (Spain)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in Spain
Marcia is feeling poorly after staying out all night dancing and drinking.Marcia se siente pachucha después de pasar toda la noche bailando y bebiendo.
bad(
bahd
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
a. malo
I can't believe I wasted my time on such a bad movie!¡No puedo creer que perdí mi tiempo viendo una película tan mala!
b. mal
I've read it a second time and still think that it's a bad book, even if very entertaining.Lo he leído por segunda vez y sigo pensando que es un mal libro, aunque muy entretenido.
2. (harmful)
3. (unpleasant)
5. (wicked)
6. (severe)
8. (guilty)
a. mal
I feel bad for not having remembered our wedding anniversary.Me siento mal por no haberme acordado de nuestro aniversario de boda.
9. (afflicted)
a. malo
My dad has a bad back and cannot lift heavy objects.Mi papá tiene la espalda mala y no puede levantar objetos pesados.
10. (finance)
a. sin fondos
I knew it was a bad check when it was returned by the bank.Supe que era un cheque sin fondos cuando el banco me lo devolvió.
A noun is a word referring to a person, animal, place, thing, feeling, or idea (e.g., man, dog, house).
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
12. (colloquial) (used for emphasis) (United States)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Regionalism used in the United States
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
I love you so bad that it hurts.Te quiero tanto que duele.
It's so hot out. I need some water real bad.Hace tanto calor afuera. Estoy desesperado por un poco de agua.
