mala calidad
/mala kalidad/from spelling rules
The English phrase "bad quality" is translated into Spanish as mala calidad.
The phrase mala calidad is used to describe something that is poorly made or not of a high standard.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective mala (bad) and the noun calidad (quality).
How does it change in a sentence?
When describing an object, you often use the preposition de before the phrase, such as un producto de mala calidad (a product of bad quality).
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use the adverb mal instead of the adjective mala when describing the noun calidad.
Did you know?
- While mala usually means 'bad', there is a separate Spanish noun mala that means 'large suitcase' or 'trunk', originating from the Frankish word for a leather bag.
- In Spain, the word cutre describes something of mala calidad that is not just poorly made but also looks shabby, tacky or neglected.
- In Mexico and other parts of Latin America, the word chafa is often used instead of mala calidad to describe a product that is a cheap imitation or a fake version of a famous brand.
Examples in context
- Estos productos exhiben una mala calidad en su fabricación.These products display poor quality in their manufacturing.
- La compañía recibió críticas debido a la baja calidad de sus productos.The company received criticism due to the low quality of their products.
- Lamentablemente, el servicio prestado mostró una deficiente calidad.Unfortunately, the provided service showed deficient quality.
- No vayas a ese restaurante, la comida es de pésima calidad.Don't go to that restaurant, the food is of terrible quality.
- Compré estas zapatillas y son de malísima calidad, ya se han roto.I bought these sneakers and they are of really poor quality, they have already broken.
- Esta tela es de mala calidad.This fabric is of bad quality.
- Esta ropa es de mala calidad.This clothing is of bad quality.
- No compres ese juguete, es de mala calidad.Don't buy that toy, it is of bad quality.
- El servicio en ese restaurante es de mala calidad.The service in that restaurant is of bad quality.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are looking at a cheap table in a store.
- ElenaMira esta mesa, Javier.Look at this table, Javier.
- JavierParece que es de mala calidad.It looks like it's of bad quality.
- ElenaTienes razón, la madera es muy débil.You're right, the wood is very weak.
- JavierBusquemos una mejor en otra tienda.Let's look for a better one in another store.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries calidad, mala, CC BY-SA 4.0.
