maldad
/mal-DAD/
evil
The general concept of 'evil' or profound wrongness, known as maldad, can be visualized as a dark force creeping into a pleasant scene.
maldad(noun)
evil
?the general concept of profound wrongness
,wickedness
?the state of being wicked
malice
?intention to harm
,badness
?general term for moral depravity
📝 In Action
La película exploraba la naturaleza de la maldad humana.
B2The film explored the nature of human evil.
No podía creer que hubiera tanta maldad en el mundo.
B1He couldn't believe there was so much wickedness in the world.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
Remember that 'maldad' is a feminine noun, so you must use 'la' before it, not 'el'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Noun and Adjective
Mistake: "Using *maldad* to describe a person (e.g., *El hombre es maldad*)."
Correction: Use the adjective *malo* or *malvado* to describe someone. *El hombre es malo* (The man is bad).
⭐ Usage Tips
Abstract Concept
When talking about the general concept of evil, use 'la maldad' without making it plural.
A specific 'wicked act' or bad deed is also a form of maldad.
maldad(noun)
wicked act
?a specific bad deed or action
,mischief
?a playful or minor mean trick (often used in plural: 'maldades')
naughty trick
?used when referring to children's behavior
📝 In Action
De niño, siempre estaba haciendo maldades a sus hermanas.
B2As a child, he was always playing naughty tricks on his sisters (doing wicked acts to his sisters).
Fue una maldad decirle eso, sabiendo que era sensible.
C1It was a mean thing to say to him, knowing he was sensitive.
💡 Grammar Points
Using the Plural
When referring to specific actions or tricks, 'maldad' is commonly used in its plural form, 'maldades'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Minor vs. Major
While 'maldad' can mean profound evil, when used in plural ('maldades'), it often refers to smaller, more mischievous acts, especially when talking about kids.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: maldad
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'maldad' to describe a specific action?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'maldad' and 'mal'?
'Maldad' is a feminine noun meaning the quality of evil or a wicked act (like 'wickedness' in English). 'Mal' can be a masculine noun meaning 'evil' (abstract, like 'el mal') or an adverb meaning 'badly' (like 'He sings badly').
Is 'maldad' a compliment or an insult?
'Maldad' is always negative. It refers to something morally wrong, mean, or evil.