malvado
“malvado” means “wicked” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
wicked, evil
Also: malicious
📝 In Action
El dictador era famoso por sus actos malvados contra su propio pueblo.
B2The dictator was famous for his wicked acts against his own people.
Ella puso una sonrisa malvada cuando ganó la partida.
B1She put on an evil smile when she won the game.
villain, evil person
Also: scoundrel
📝 In Action
El malvado fue desenmascarado justo antes de que pudiera ejecutar su plan.
B1The villain was unmasked just before he could execute his plan.
En las caricaturas, el malvado siempre tiene un bigote grande.
A2In cartoons, the villain always has a big mustache.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: malvado
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'malvado' as a noun?
📚 More Resources
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin term *male factus*, meaning 'badly made' or 'ill-disposed.' Over time, this evolved to describe someone whose character or nature was inherently bad or evil.
First recorded: Medieval Spanish texts, 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'malo' and 'malvado'?
'Malo' is the general word for 'bad' (e.g., 'bad food,' 'bad weather'). 'Malvado' is much stronger and is reserved for moral evil, cruelty, or wickedness. Think of 'malvado' as truly evil, like a cartoon villain.
How do I make 'malvado' feminine and plural?
Since it ends in -o, you change it like a regular adjective: Feminine singular is 'malvada.' Plural masculine is 'malvados.' Plural feminine is 'malvadas.'