Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| malvado | /malˈbado/ |
| avieso | /aˈbjeso/ |
Malvado is used to describe someone or something that is evil, malevolent or inherently wicked. It implies a level of moral wrongdoing that is much more intense than the word malo, which is used for simple or mild badness.
Which one should you use?
While malvado focuses on inherent or moral evil, another formal option is perverso/a, which specifically expresses a wicked or malicious nature that is more closely related to being perverse or depraved.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the word diablo/a (meaning devil) is used to describe someone who is wicked, mischievous or cunning.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective malvado must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. It becomes malvada for feminine singular nouns, malvados for masculine or mixed-gender plural nouns and malvadas for exclusively feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/malˈbado/
Did you know?
- The word malvado comes from the Late Latin word 'malifātius', which originally meant 'unfortunate' rather than 'evil'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone diablo can be a compliment to their cunning or wit rather than a condemnation of their morals.
- While English uses 'wicked' as a slang term for 'excellent' or 'cool', Spanish speakers cannot use malvado or perverso in this way.
Examples in context
- Tom es malvado.Tom is wicked.This sentence uses malvado to identify a person.Tatoeba #1520848 by marcelostockle, translation #2203580 by CK
- Érase una vez en Inglaterra un rey muy malvado.Once there lived a very wicked king in England.This sentence uses malvado to describe a king.Tatoeba #743343 by darinmex, translation #272110 by Dejo
- No hay nada permanente en este malvado mundo. Ni siquiera nuestros problemas.Nothing is permanent in this wicked world – not even our troubles.This sentence uses malvado to describe the world.Tatoeba #6333527 by Adelpa, translation #5030542 by Adelpa
- El villano de la película era un ser malvado y despiadado.The villain in the movie was a wicked and ruthless being.
- El dictador fue conocido por sus actos perversos y su gobierno corrupto.The dictator was known for his wicked acts and corrupt government.
- ¡Maldito ladrón! Robó todo mi dinero.Wicked thief! He stole all my money.
- ¡Juan es el diablo! Siempre tiene una forma de hacer travesuras.Juan is wicked! He always finds a way to play pranks.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are discussing a villain in a movie.
- Daniel¿Crees que el villano es malvado?Do you think the villain is wicked?
- SofíaSí, es un personaje muy malvado.Yes, he is a very wicked character.
- DanielSus planes son terribles.His plans are terrible.
- SofíaEs verdad, me da miedo.It's true, he scares me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wicked” translations and entries malvado, avieso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries avieso, malvado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
