malveillant
/mal.vɛ.jɑ̃/
The English word 'malicious' is translated into French as malveillant.
The adjective is used to describe someone or something that is deliberately harmful or spiteful.
Meaning: deliberately harmful, spiteful (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the adjective changes to match the gender and number of the noun it describes: malveillante is the feminine singular form, malveillants is the masculine plural form and malveillantes is the feminine plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/mal.vɛ.jɑ̃/
Did you know?
- While malveillant describes a person's spiteful intent, the word malicieux in French can actually mean 'playful' or 'mischievous' in a lighthearted way.
- In French, the opposite of malveillant is bienveillant, which is frequently used to describe a 'kind' or 'benevolent' authority figure.
- The word malveillant is built from two parts meaning 'bad' and 'wishing'. It literally translates to someone who 'wishes bad' upon others.
Examples in context
- Rien n'entravera mon projet malveillant.Nothing will hinder my malicious plan.This sentence shows how to use malveillant to describe a plan.Tatoeba #2187046 by sacredceltic, translation #2186969 by marcelostockle
- Cela ne contenait aucune intention malveillante.That didn't comprise any malicious intent.This sentence demonstrates the use of malveillant regarding intent.Tatoeba #8648235 by lbdx, translation #7968199 by Esto
- Les choses comme ça sont souvent plus accidentelles que malveillantes.Such things are often accidental rather than malicious.This sentence uses malveillantes to contrast accidental actions with malicious ones.Tatoeba #8442911 by Aiji, translation #4128149 by AlanF_US
- Le comportement de cet individu était malveillant et intentionnel.The behavior of this individual was malicious and intentional.
- Ce gamin est vraiment méchant avec les autres enfants.That kid is really malicious towards the other children.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are discussing a coworker's recent behavior.
- NathanTu as trouvé son message malveillant ?Did you find his message malicious?
- ManonOui, il a été très malveillant envers moi.Yes, he was very malicious toward me.
- NathanJe suis désolé pour toi, Manon.I am sorry for you, Manon.
- ManonMerci, Nathan, mais je vais gérer ça.Thanks, Nathan, but I will handle it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry malveillant, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries malveillant, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
