malcriado
/malˈkɾjado/
The English phrase "bratty" is translated into Spanish as malcriado.
Malcriado is used to describe a child who behaves badly because they are spoiled. It specifically implies that the bad behavior stems from being spoiled or poorly disciplined.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of mal (badly) and criado (raised), literally meaning "badly raised".
Which one should you use?
While malcriado describes the bad behavior resulting from being spoiled, you might use consentido if you want to focus more on the fact that the child is overly indulged or pampered.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the person being described. Use malcriada for a girl and malcriados for a group of boys or a mixed group of children.
How do you pronounce it?
/malˈkɾjado/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, calling an adult a malcriado is a much stronger insult than it is for a child, as it implies they lack basic manners and respect for others.
- The word criado shares a root with the English word 'creature' and the French 'créer', originating from the Latin 'creare' meaning to create or bring up.
- In older Spanish texts, a criado was not just a child being raised but specifically a domestic servant, reflecting the idea that servants were 'raised' within a household.
Examples in context
- La niña es muy caprichosa, siempre quiere tener todo a su maneraThe girl is very bratty, she always wants to have everything her way
- El niño ha sido muy mimado por sus padres, y por eso se comporta de forma caprichosaThe boy has been very spoiled by his parents, and that's why he behaves in a bratty way
- Ese niño es malcriado y siempre hace berrinches cuando no obtiene lo que quiereThat child is bratty and always throws tantrums when he doesn't get what he wants
- Mi hermana menor siempre quiere mandar, es muy mandonaMy younger sister always wants to be in charge, she's very bratty
- Ese niño es muy malcriado.That boy is very bratty.
- No me gusta ese chico malcriado.I don't like that bratty boy.
- Es un bebé malcriado.He is a bratty baby.
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are watching a child have a tantrum in a park.
- Mateo¿Viste cómo se portó ese niño?Did you see how that boy behaved?
- SofíaSí, es un niño muy malcriado.Yes, he is a very bratty boy.
- MateoSus padres no lo corrigen.His parents don't correct him.
- SofíaEs una situación muy difícil.It is a very difficult situation.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry malcriado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries malcriado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
