mal momento
/mal momento/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'bad timing' is translated into Spanish as mal momento.
The phrase is used to describe an unfortunate moment to do or say something. To express that something occurred 'at a bad time', you can use the prepositional phrase en un mal momento.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase mal momento literally translates to 'bad moment'.
Which one should you use?
Momento inoportuno is a formal expression conveying untimeliness or inconvenience and Mala pata is a slang expression used in Spain to describe bad luck or unfortunate timing.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Mala pata is a slang expression used in Spain to describe bad luck or unfortunate timing.
How do you pronounce it?
/mal momento/
Did you know?
- While mal momento is common, the term inoportuno comes from the Latin opportunus, which originally described a wind blowing towards a harbor to help a ship arrive at the right time.
- The expression mala pata literally translates to 'bad leg'. It is used in Spain to describe bad luck or timing, similar to the English phrase 'to have a stroke of bad luck'.
- The word momento originates from the Latin mōmentum, which referred to the tipping point of a scale.
Examples in context
- Lamentablemente, tu propuesta llega en un mal momento.Unfortunately, your proposal comes at a bad time.
- Es un momento inoportuno para abordar ese tema.It is an inopportune moment to address that issue.
- Menuda mala pata, justo ahora se estropea el coche.What bad timing, the car breaks down right now.
- En mala hora decidí venir a esta fiesta.Bad timing on my part to come to this party.
- Llegas en un mal momento.You are arriving at a bad time.
- Llegaste en un mal momento.You arrived at a bad time.
- Lo siento, es un mal momento para hablar.I am sorry, it is a bad time to talk.
- Fue un mal momento para esa broma.It was a bad time for that joke.
Example conversation
Daniel is calling Lucía while she is in a meeting.
- DanielHola Lucía, ¿tienes un minuto?Hello Lucía, do you have a minute?
- LucíaLo siento, Daniel, es un mal momento.I am sorry, Daniel, it is a bad time.
- DanielEntiendo, te llamo más tarde.I understand, I will call you later.
- LucíaGracias, hablamos luego.Thank you, we will talk later.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mal, momento, CC BY-SA 4.0.
