ser malo
/seɾ malo/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'to be mean' is translated into Spanish as ser malo.
Ser malo is used to describe someone who is mean. Depending on the context, it can also carry a stronger connotation of being 'bad' or 'evil'. If you specifically want to describe someone who is mean in the sense of being unfriendly or disagreeable rather than malicious, it is often more natural to use ser antipático.
Which one should you use?
While ser malo is used for 'to be mean', it can also mean 'to be bad' or 'to be evil'. Use ser antipático if the person is simply unpleasant or unfriendly.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may use ser malaje instead of ser malo. In certain Latin American countries, ser gacho(a) is used as an informal way to say 'to be mean'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the subject. Use ser mala if the person being described is female, and ser malos when referring to a group of men or a mixed-gender group. Use ser malas when referring to a group consisting only of females.
How do you pronounce it?
/seɾ malo/
Did you know?
- While ser malo can mean 'to be mean', changing the verb from ser to estar in estar malo changes the meaning to being physically ill or tasting bad.
- In some contexts, calling a child malo is used affectionately to describe them as 'cheeky' or 'mischievous' rather than truly mean or evil.
- The word ser shares an ancient history with the Latin word 'sedēre', meaning 'to sit', which was absorbed into the Spanish verb during its evolution.
Examples in context
- No es su intención ser malo. Es su naturaleza.He doesn't mean to be mean. It's just his nature.This sentence is useful for illustrating how to use ser malo when discussing someone's nature.Tatoeba #667198 by darinmex, translation #610674 by darinmex
- Mi jefe puede ser muy desagradable a vecesMy boss can be very mean sometimes
- Juan fue muy malo conmigo al no invitarme a su fiestaJuan was very mean to me by not inviting me to his party
- Mi vecino siempre me pone mala cara cuando lo saludoMy neighbor always gives me a mean look when I greet him
- No te acerques a él, tiene mala lecheDon't get close to him, he's mean
- Creo que María tiene mala leche. Siempre está tratando de perjudicarme en el trabajoI think María is mean. She's always trying to undermine me at work
- No quiero ser malo contigo.I don't want to be mean to you.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are talking about a coworker at the office.
- ElenaEse jefe puede ser muy malo.That boss can be very mean.
- MateoSí, es muy estricto con nosotros.Yes, he is very strict with us.
- ElenaNo es necesario ser malo para mandar.It isn't necessary to be mean to lead.
- MateoTienes toda la razón, Elena.You are absolutely right, Elena.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries malo, ser, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
