malvada
“malvada” means “wicked” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
wicked, evil
Also: mean, vicious
📝 In Action
La madrastra era muy malvada con Cenicienta.
A2The stepmother was very wicked toward Cinderella.
Tenía una sonrisa malvada cuando nos dio la noticia.
B1She had an evil smile when she gave us the news.
Esa fue una decisión malvada que afectó a mucha gente.
B2That was a wicked decision that affected many people.
villainess, wicked woman
Also: scoundrel
📝 In Action
En la película, ella es la malvada que quiere destruir el mundo.
B2In the movie, she is the villainess who wants to destroy the world.
¡No seas una malvada y devuélvele su dinero!
C1Don't be a wicked woman/scoundrel and give him back his money!
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: malvada
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'malvada' correctly as a noun?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
'Malvada' comes from the Spanish word 'mal' (bad/evil), which itself stems from the Latin word *malus* (bad). The word simply describes someone 'full of badness' or 'characterized by evil.'
First recorded: Medieval Spanish
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'malvada' a stronger word than 'mala'?
Yes. 'Mala' simply means 'bad' or 'poor quality.' 'Malvada' means 'wicked' or 'evil,' implying deliberate cruelty and malicious intent. It carries a much stronger, more dramatic negative meaning.