malo
adjective
1. bad, poor
of low quality or with a negative result
Common combinations
- mala calidad — poor quality
- mal resultado — bad result
- Este café es malo.This coffee is bad.
- Sacó una mala nota.He got a poor mark.
- Fue una mala idea.It was a bad idea.
2. harmful, bad malo para
causing harm
Common combinations
- malo para la salud — bad for your health
- malo para la piel — bad for your skin
- Fumar es malo para la salud.Smoking is bad for your health.
- El sol es malo para la piel.The sun is bad for your skin.
- Comer tanta sal es malo.Eating so much salt is bad.
3. bad, evil malo con
morally wrong or cruel
Common combinations
- una persona mala — a bad person
- hacer algo malo — do something bad
- Es un hombre malo.He is a bad man.
- El ladrón hizo algo malo.The thief did something bad.
- No seas malo con tu hermano.Don't be mean to your brother.
4. naughty, badly behaved
mischievous or disobedient
Common combinations
- niño malo — naughty child
- perro malo — badly behaved dog
- El niño es muy malo.The boy is very naughty.
- Mi perro se pone malo cuando está solo.My dog misbehaves when he is alone.
- No seas malo: comparte el juguete.Don't be naughty: share the toy.
5. ill, sick estar malo; ponerse malo
Spain · in poor health
Common combinations
- estar malo — be ill
- ponerse malo — become ill
- Hoy estoy malo y no voy a trabajar.I am ill today and I am not going to work.
- Mi hijo está malo.My son is ill.
- Se puso malo después de comer.He became ill after eating.
6. spoiled, bad
no longer fresh or fit to eat
Common combinations
- leche mala — spoiled milk
- comida mala — spoiled food
- La leche está mala.The milk is spoiled.
- El pescado se ha puesto malo.The fish has gone bad.
- No comas esa fruta: está mala.Don't eat that fruit: it is spoiled.
Same root
Phrases with this word