mala persona
/mala peɾsona/from spelling rules
In Spanish, mala persona is the phrase for mean person.
The phrase mala persona is used to describe someone who is a mean person.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, you may hear the phrase tipo/a malo/a used to describe a mean person.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase mala persona is grammatically feminine, even when you are referring to a man. To say 'mean people', you must change both the adjective and the noun to their plural forms: malas personas.
How do you pronounce it?
/mala peɾsona/
Did you know?
- Spanish speakers often use the phrase tener mala leche to describe someone who is being mean or has a foul mood, which literally translates to 'having bad milk'.
- While mala persona refers to a mean character, calling someone a mal nacido implies they were 'badly born' and is a much more aggressive insult.
- The word persona traces back to the Latin word for a mask worn by actors, suggesting that a 'person' is essentially the character one presents to society.
Examples in context
- ¿Conoces a la persona desagradable que trabaja en el departamento de contabilidad?Do you know the mean person who works in the accounting department?
- Ayer conocí a una mala persona en el parque. ¡Me empujó sin razón!Yesterday, I met a mean person in the park. They pushed me for no reason!
- Es una mala persona.He/She is a mean person.
- Ese hombre es una mala persona.That man is a mean person.
- No seas una mala persona con ella.Don't be a mean person to her.
- Ella resultó ser una mala persona.She turned out to be a mean person.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing a former coworker.
- Alejandro¿Cómo era tu antiguo jefe?How was your former boss?
- ElenaEra una mala persona.He was a mean person.
- AlejandroLo siento mucho, Elena.I am very sorry, Elena.
- ElenaGracias, Alejandro.Thanks, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mala, persona, CC BY-SA 4.0.
