Spanish · Emotions & Descriptions
"Bad" in Spanish: malo/a
malo/a
Bad is malo for masculine and mala for feminine. Before a masculine singular noun, malo shortens to mal: un mal día. Ser malo can mean a bad character. Estar malo can mean feeling sick.
How to pronounce malo: audio and sound guideAbout weather plans
Hoy es un día malo para salir.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce malo/a
Say it
MAH-loh / MAH-lah
/ˈmalo/
MAH-loh / MAH-lah. Stress MAH. Keep malo open on the first vowel.
"Bad" in Spanish: quick reference
| Spanish | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| malo / mala | bad Default adjective; agree with gender. | Default adjective; agree with gender. |
| mal | bad (before masc. singular noun); badly Un mal día; also the adverb "badly." | Un mal día; also the adverb "badly." |
| estar malo / mala | to be sick / unwell Common for feeling ill, not evil. | Common for feeling ill, not evil. |
| qué malo | how mean / how bad Reaction to unfair or nasty behavior. | Reaction to unfair or nasty behavior. |
How to use malo/a in real life
- 1About weather plans
Hoy es un día malo para salir.
Today is a bad day to go out.
Día malo keeps the full form malo after the noun.
- 2Reviewing a drink
Este café sabe malo.
This coffee tastes bad.
Malo agrees with café (masculine).
- 3Feeling ill
Me siento malo desde anoche.
I've felt bad/sick since last night.
Sentirse malo often means unwell.
Mistakes English speakers make with malo/a
Incorrect: Una idea malo.
Correct: Una idea mala.
Idea is feminine. Use mala, not malo, with idea.
Incorrect: Un malo día.
Correct: Un mal día.
Before a masculine singular noun, malo becomes mal: un mal día.
Good to know
Good to knowCalling a person malo can sound like "mean" or "wicked." Soften with no es tan malo, or say no está bien for mild criticism. Estoy malo/mala for illness is everyday.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
A plan fell through
ChatPal
Fue un día malo, ¿verdad?
It was a bad day, right?
You
Sí, estuvo malo el tráfico.
Yes, the traffic was bad.
ChatPal
Mañana no será tan malo.
Tomorrow won't be so bad.
You
Ojalá. Necesito un respiro.
Hopefully. I need a break.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Bad" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Bad" in Spanish
Malo or mala?
Malo with masculine nouns, mala with feminine. Plural forms are malos and malas.
Ser malo or estar malo?
Ser malo can mean a bad person. Estar malo often means feeling sick.
When do I say mal instead of malo?
Before a masculine singular noun: un mal día. Mal is also "badly." Keep malo for other spots.
How do you pronounce malo?
MAH-loh with stress on MAH. Mala ends in lah.
Use these words in a conversation
Find useful phrases for a situation, learn what to say back, and rehearse your part with revealable sample answers.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
Keep reading
- 8 Sentences with Ser in Spanish: Examples and GrammarExplore 8 sentences with ser in spanish covering identity, origin, time, and materials, with translations, grammar tips, and mistakes to avoid.
- 33 in Spanish: How to Say It and Use It NaturallyLearn how to say 33 in Spanish with clear pronunciation, ordinal forms, regional variations, and real example sentences for confident everyday speaking.
