maldad
“maldad” means “evil” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
evil, wickedness
Also: malice, badness
📝 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.
wicked act, mischief
Also: naughty trick
📝 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.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "maldad" in Spanish:
badness→evil→malice→mischief→naughty trick→wicked act→wickedness→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: maldad
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'maldad' to describe a specific action?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin root *malus*, meaning 'bad' or 'evil', combined with the Latin suffix *-tas*, which describes a quality or state of being. So, 'maldad' literally means the 'quality of being bad.'
First recorded: Medieval Spanish (around the 13th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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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.