cosas malas
/kosas malas/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'bad things' is translated into Spanish as cosas malas.
While it is standard to place the adjective after the noun, placing the adjective before the noun as malas cosas can add an emotive or poetic emphasis to the badness.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun cosas (things) and the adjective malas (bad).
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective malas must be feminine to agree with the feminine noun cosas. To use the singular form 'bad thing', both the noun and the adjective must be singular.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, speaking of cosas malas too explicitly can be seen as 'attracting' them, leading people to use euphemisms or vague terms to avoid bad luck.
- In certain Spanish-speaking regions, people might use the phrase malas lenguas (bad tongues) to refer to people who spread gossip, rather than literal 'bad things'.
- The word mal is the root for maldecir, which means 'to curse'. This literally combines 'bad' and 'say', turning the act of speaking 'bad things' into a specific verb.
Examples in context
- Él siempre dice cosas malas de su esposa.He's always saying bad things about his wife.This sentence shows how to use cosas malas when talking about someone's spouse.Tatoeba #2789837 by marcelostockle, translation #1315790 by CK
- Siempre son nuestros buenos sentimientos los que nos hacen hacer cosas malas.It's always our good intentions that make us do bad things.This sentence demonstrates using cosas malas in the context of intentions and actions.Tatoeba #1879656 by Shishir, translation #10726356 by DJ_Saidez
- No digas cosas malas de otros.Don't say bad things about others.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use cosas malas when referring to others.Tatoeba #853765 by Angel_VV, translation #274714 by CK
- Es inapropiado hablar mal de los demás en el lugar de trabajo.It is inappropriate to speak ill of others in the workplace.
- Déjame desahogarme un momento y decirte algunas cosas malas que escuché.Let me vent for a moment and tell you some bad things I heard.
- No me parece correcto poner verde a la gente sin saber sus razones.I don't think it's right to badmouth people without knowing their reasons.
- No puedes meterte conmigo sin ninguna consecuencia.You can't pick on me without any consequences.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are discussing their day.
- LucíaHe pasado el día pensando en cosas malas.I have spent the day thinking about bad things.
- MateoNo deberías preocuparte tanto, Lucía.You shouldn't worry so much, Lucía.
- LucíaLo sé, pero pasan cosas malas a veces.I know, but bad things happen sometimes.
- MateoTrata de enfocarte en lo positivo.Try to focus on the positive.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
