malas noticias
/malas notiθjas/from spelling rulesfeminine, plural
The English phrase "bad news" is translated into Spanish as malas noticias.
Malas noticias is used to describe news regarding unpleasant, unfortunate or sad events.
Meaning: news of unpleasant, unfortunate or sad events (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the feminine plural adjective malas (bad) and the feminine plural noun noticias (news).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because noticia is a feminine noun, the adjective malo must change to its feminine form mala and agree in number, becoming malas in the plural. While malas noticias is the most common way to refer to bad news in general, you can use the singular form mala noticia when referring to one specific piece of bad news.
How do you pronounce it?
/malas notiθjas/
Did you know?
- While malas noticias is the standard term, if someone delivers news that is particularly shocking or devastating, a Spaniard might colloquially say they have un jarro de agua fría, which means 'a pitcher of cold water'.
- The word noticia shares the same Latin root as 'notice' and 'notion', linking the concept of 'bad news' to the mental act of becoming aware of something.
- In certain Spanish-speaking regions, you may hear the phrase malas nuevas instead of the more common malas noticias. While it sounds like a way to say 'new bad things', it is actually an older, more traditional way to say 'bad news'.
Examples in context
- Tengo malas noticias para ti.I have bad news for you.This sentence shows how to say you have bad news for someone using malas noticias.Tatoeba #1672041 by marcelostockle, translation #1671788 by Spamster
- Las malas noticias viajan veloz.Bad news travels fast.This sentence illustrates the phrase malas noticias in a proverb about news traveling fast.Tatoeba #1338501 by marcelostockle, translation #28625 by CK
- Hoy recibí malas noticias de casa.I got bad news from home today.This sentence uses malas noticias to describe receiving news from home.Tatoeba #7412169 by arh, translation #2329601 by CK
- Lamentamos informarle que su solicitud de préstamo ha sido rechazada.We regret to inform you that your loan application has been rejected.
- Nos vemos en la obligación de comunicarle que su contrato no será renovado.We are obliged to inform you that your contract will not be renewed.
- Debo decirle que la oferta que usted presentó no ha sido aceptada.I must tell you that the offer you submitted has not been accepted.
- Lo siento pero tu solicitud de préstamo ha sido rechazada.I'm sorry but your loan application has been rejected.
- Me temo que tu vuelo ha sido cancelado debido a condiciones climáticas adversas.I'm afraid your flight has been canceled due to adverse weather conditions.
- No tengo buenas noticias, no han seleccionado tu propuesta.I don't have good news, they haven't selected your proposal.
- No fue como esperábamos, el proyecto no ha sido aprobado.It didn't turn out as we expected, the project hasn't been approved.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are talking on the phone in the afternoon.
- Javier¿Hola María, tienes alguna novedad?Hello María, do you have any news?
- MaríaLo siento Javier, pero tengo malas noticias.I'm sorry Javier, but I have bad news.
- JavierNo me digas eso, ¿qué pasó?Don't tell me that, what happened?
- MaríaSe canceló el vuelo de tu hermano.Your brother's flight was canceled.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bad news” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
