maldito
/malˈdito/
In Spanish, the English phrase "cursed" is translated as maldito. If unsure, use maldito. Wiktionary also lists anatematizado.
Meaning: having some sort of divine harm (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| maldito | /malˈdito/ |
| anatematizado | /anatematiˈθado/ /anatematiˈsado/ |
The primary way to express having some sort of divine harm is through the adjective maldito. In a colloquial context, it can also be used as an intensifier or an epithet to express anger toward a person or object, similar to calling something "damned" or "bloody" in English.
Which one should you use?
maldito is the standard term for a general curse. In contrast, anatematizado is a much more formal, religious or ecclesiastical term used specifically for a formal ecclesiastical curse or excommunication.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, maldito must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, changing to maldita for feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/malˈdito/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, maldito can be used as a term of endearment or admiration for someone who is cleverly mischievous, similar to saying 'you little rascal'.
- The formal term anatematizado is derived from the Greek 'anathema', which originally referred to an offering dedicated to a god.
- The word maldito comes from the Latin maledictus, which literally combines 'bad' and 'speaking'.
Examples in context
- El anillo está maldito.The ring is cursed.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use maldito to describe an object.Tatoeba #1649138 by alexmarcelo, translation #1647935 by Spamster
- Estoy malditoI am cursed
- Soy gafeI am jinxed
- Ese objeto maldito me da miedo.That cursed object scares me.
- Dicen que el tesoro está maldito.They say the treasure is cursed.
Example conversation
María and Daniel are exploring an old attic.
- MaríaMira este espejo antiguo, Daniel.Look at this old mirror, Daniel.
- DanielNo lo toques, podría estar maldito.Don't touch it, it could be cursed.
- María¿De verdad crees en esas cosas?Do you really believe in those things?
- DanielPrefiero tener cuidado.I prefer to be careful.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cursed” translations and entries maldito, anatematizado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries maldito, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
