maldecir
“maldecir” means “to curse” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to curse
Also: to damn
📝 In Action
En el cuento, la bruja maldijo al príncipe para que durmiera cien años.
B1In the story, the witch cursed the prince to sleep for a hundred years.
Él maldijo su mala suerte cuando perdió el último tren.
B2He cursed his bad luck when he missed the last train.
No es bueno maldecir a los demás, incluso si estás enfadado.
C1It is not good to damn others, even if you are angry.
to speak ill of
Also: to badmouth
📝 In Action
Se pasa el día maldiciendo de todo el mundo.
B2He spends the whole day speaking ill of everyone.
No deberías maldecir de tus amigos cuando no están.
C1You shouldn't badmouth your friends when they aren't around.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: maldecir
Question 1 of 3
Which is the correct 'yo' form in the Future tense?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'maledicere', a combination of 'male' (badly) and 'dicere' (to speak). It literally means 'to speak badly of' or 'to call down evil upon'.
First recorded: 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'maldecir' considered a swear word?
No, 'maldecir' is the verb that describes the act of cursing. While the exclamation '¡Maldita sea!' is a mild curse, the verb itself is safe to use in any conversation.
Does it conjugate exactly like 'decir'?
Almost, but not quite. The Future and Conditional tenses are regular for 'maldecir' (maldeciré) but irregular for 'decir' (diré).
Can I use 'maldecir' to mean 'to swear' in general?
Usually, Spanish speakers use 'decir palabrotas' or 'soltar tacos' for general swearing. 'Maldecir' specifically implies wishing bad things or expressing deep condemnation.