Adjective · A1 · Spanish glossary
Malo: bad
malo
Pronunciation: MAH-loh (stress the capital letters)
Malo means “bad” in English.
Quick answer
- Meaning: bad
- How to say it: MAH-loh
- Forms: malo, mala, malos, malas
- Level: Beginner (A1)
What “malo” means and how to use it
Malo means “bad.” It shortens to “mal” before a masculine singular noun: un mal día.
Forms of “malo”
| Describes | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Masculine | malo | malos |
| Feminine | mala | malas |
Adjectives agree with the noun they describe.
Examples with audio
- Hoy hace mal tiempo.The weather is bad today.
- Tuve un mal día.I had a bad day.
- Esa idea no es mala.That idea is not bad.
Usage tip
Malo becomes mal before a masculine noun (un mal momento). Estar malo can mean “to be sick” in many countries, while ser malo means “to be bad.”
Frequently asked questions
How do you say “bad” in Spanish?
“bad” in Spanish is “malo.” It is pronounced MAH-loh, with the stress on the syllable in capital letters.
How do you pronounce “malo”?
Say MAH-loh. The syllable in capital letters gets the stress. Press the speaker button at the top of this page to hear it.
How does “malo” change for feminine and plural?
The forms are “malo,” “mala,” “malos,” and “malas.”
Practice “malo” for free
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