infame
“infame” means “vile” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
vile
Also: despicable, atrocious
📝 In Action
El dictador cometió crímenes infames contra su propio pueblo.
B2The dictator committed vile crimes against his own people.
Nos dieron una comida infame en ese restaurante.
A2They gave us an atrocious meal at that restaurant.
Hacía un tiempo infame, así que nos quedamos en casa.
B1The weather was wretched, so we stayed home.
scoundrel
Also: villain
📝 In Action
¡Vete de aquí, infame!
B1Get out of here, you scoundrel!
El infame huyó antes de que llegara la policía.
C1The villain fled before the police arrived.
Nadie quería hablar con aquel infame.
B2Nobody wanted to speak with that wretch.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: infame
Question 1 of 3
If you are served 'un café infame', how do you feel about it?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'infamis', which is made of 'in-' (not) and 'fama' (reputation). It literally describes someone who has lost their good name.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'infame' a common word?
It's medium-frequency. You'll hear it often in movies, literature, or when people are complaining strongly about something bad, but it's not as common as 'malo'.
Can I use 'infame' to mean 'famous'?
No. In Spanish, 'famoso' is for someone well-known. 'Infame' specifically means someone well-known for being bad, or simply someone wicked.
Does it have a plural form?
Yes, the plural is 'infames'. You just add an -s.