maleficio
/maleˈfiθjo/masculine
The English phrase "hex" is translated into Spanish as maleficio.
maleficio refers specifically to an evil spell or a curse.
Meaning: an evil spell or curse (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word maleficio is a compound of mal- (bad or evil) and eficio (derived from terms implying an effect or deed), literally meaning an evil deed or effect.
Which one should you use?
While maleficio specifically implies a harmful curse or hex, the related word hechizo is more neutral and can refer to a magical spell or a charm used for good or attraction.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As a masculine noun, maleficio is preceded by the masculine article el when referring to a specific hex. To express the action of casting a spell or putting a hex on someone, you can use the verb hechizar.
How do you pronounce it?
/maleˈfiθjo/
Did you know?
- If you are talking about a hex that is purely psychological or a 'jinx' in a playful way, a Spanish speaker might use 'gafe' instead of the much more serious 'maleficio'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, a common folk remedy to break a maleficio involves using a mirror or salt to reflect the evil energy back to the caster.
- Spanish has a distinct word, mal de ojo, which refers to the 'evil eye'. While a maleficio is a deliberate spell, mal de ojo is often believed to be cast unintentionally through envy.
Examples in context
- Los habitantes creían que el pueblo estaba bajo un maleficio inexplicable.The inhabitants believed that the town was under an inexplicable hex.
- ¡Cuidado con ella, tiene el poder de hacer un hechizo!Be careful with her, she has the power to cast a hex!
- La bruja lanzó una maldición sobre el reino.The witch cast a hex/curse upon the kingdom.
- Siento que hay un maleficio en esta casa.I feel like there is a hex in this house.
- El mago lanzó un maleficio sobre el pueblo.The wizard cast a hex upon the town.
- Nadie puede romper este maleficio.No one can break this hex.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are watching an old horror movie.
- Mateo¿Crees que es un maleficio real?Do you think it is a real hex?
- MaríaParece un maleficio muy poderoso en la película.It looks like a very powerful hex in the movie.
- MateoMe da un poco de miedo.It scares me a little bit.
- MaríaNo te preocupes, Mateo, es solo ficción.Don't worry, Mateo, it is only fiction.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hex” translations and entries maleficio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
