mala idea
/mala idea/from spelling rules
The English phrase "bad idea" is translated into Spanish as mala idea.
mala idea is used to describe a plan or suggestion that is thought to be unwise or likely to result in a negative outcome.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective mala (bad) and the noun idea (idea).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, mala ocurrencia is an alternative used to express a bad idea specifically related to a sudden or whimsical idea.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because idea is a feminine noun, the indefinite article una and the adjective mala must both be feminine as in una mala idea. To make the phrase plural, both the adjective and the noun must take the plural suffix -s to form malas ideas.
How do you pronounce it?
/mala idea/
Did you know?
- The word idea shares a common ancestor with the English word 'eye', as both trace back to the Greek verb meaning 'to see'.
- To avoid being overly direct or rude, Spanish speakers frequently say no es muy buena idea instead of mala idea.
- The word idea is a 'learned borrowing' from Latin, meaning it was intentionally adopted by scholars rather than evolving naturally through speech.
Examples in context
- Es una mala idea.That's a bad idea.This sentence is useful for stating that something is a mala idea.Tatoeba #2148211 by Shishir, translation #3171850 by CK
- Era una mala idea.It was a bad idea.This sentence is useful for describing something that was a mala idea in the past.Tatoeba #2127759 by Shishir, translation #1632274 by Spamster
- Eso no es tan mala idea.That isn't such a bad idea.This sentence is useful for saying that something is not such a mala idea.Tatoeba #10361842 by Seael, translation #9999940 by CK
- Ir sola a esa parte de la ciudad es una mala idea.Going alone to that part of the city is a bad idea.
- Llevar a tu perro al concierto de fuegos artificiales es una pésima idea.Taking your dog to the fireworks show is a terrible idea.
- Salir sin abrigo en invierno es un mal plan.Going out without a coat in winter is a bad idea.
- Comprar un billete de avión sin tener destino definido es una mala ocurrencia.Buying a plane ticket without a defined destination is a bad idea.
- Es muy mala idea ir a nadar con tiburones.It's a very bad idea to go swimming with sharks.
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are discussing whether to go hiking in a storm.
- JavierDeberíamos ir de excursión ahora.We should go hiking now.
- MaríaCon esta tormenta, es una mala idea.With this storm, it is a bad idea.
- JavierTienes razón, María.You are right, María.
- MaríaMejor nos quedamos en casa.Better if we stay home.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries idea, mala, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
