es malo
/es malo/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "he is mean" is expressed as es malo.
This phrase describes someone who is unkind or cruel to others. While "es malo" can mean "he is mean," it also literally means "he is bad."
Which one should you use?
Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, other forms may be more precise. Use es antipático if you mean someone is unpleasant/unfriendly. The phrase es un malvado is a stronger, more dramatic way to say someone is truly wicked or villainous.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, Es una mala persona. means "He is a bad person." In Mexico, Es un patán. means "He is a rude person."
How do you pronounce it?
/es malo/
Did you know?
- While es malo means 'he is mean', changing the verb to está malo completely transforms the meaning to 'he is sick' or 'it tastes bad'.
- In certain Spanish-speaking regions, calling a man malo can actually be a playful or flirtatious way to call him a 'bad boy'.
- If you want to describe someone as mean in the sense of being stingy or cheap, you must switch from es malo to es tacaño.
Examples in context
- Él es antipático. Nunca muestra amabilidad hacia los demás.He is unfriendly. He never shows kindness towards others.
- Él es desagradable. Siempre encuentra formas de herir a los demás con sus palabras.He is unpleasant. He always finds ways to hurt others with his words.
- Él es malo. Siempre se burla de los demás y nunca muestra compasión.He is mean. He always mocks others and never shows any compassion.
- Él es malo con los niños.He is mean to children.
- No hables con él, es malo.Don't talk to him, he is mean.
- Mi jefe es malo con los empleados.My boss is mean to the employees.
Example conversation
María and Javier are talking about a classmate.
- MaríaNo me gusta ese chico.I don't like that boy.
- Javier¿Por qué no te gusta?Why don't you like him?
- MaríaPorque es malo con todos.Because he is mean to everyone.
- JavierTienes razón, Javier también lo dijo.You're right, Javier said it too.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
