Inklingo

How to Say "naughty" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “naughty” is “malas” — use 'malas' to describe something as bad or negative, often referring to news or general situations, but it can also describe people (especially women or girls) who are behaving badly or are morally corrupt..

English → Spanish

malas

/MAH-las//ˈmalas/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'malas' to describe something as bad or negative, often referring to news or general situations, but it can also describe people (especially women or girls) who are behaving badly or are morally corrupt.
A bright red apple that has a large, visible patch of brown rot and mold on one side, illustrating poor quality.

Examples

El niño se portó muy mal en la escuela.

The boy behaved very badly at school.

Las noticias eran muy malas.

The news was very bad.

Esas decisiones malas afectaron a la compañía.

Those poor decisions affected the company.

No comas esas manzanas; parecen malas.

Don't eat those apples; they look bad (spoiled).

Gender and Number Agreement

'Malas' must only be used to describe things that are both feminine and plural, like 'las ideas' (the ideas) or 'las actitudes' (the attitudes).

Using the wrong form

Mistake: “La situación eran malas.”

Correction: La situación era mala. (The thing described, 'situación,' is singular, so use 'mala.')

tremenda

/treh-MEN-dah//tɾeˈmenda/

adjectiveB1informal
Use 'tremenda' primarily for children who are energetic, boisterous, and difficult to control, implying a lively but challenging nature rather than true malice.
A young girl with messy hair jumping on a bed with pillows flying everywhere.

Examples

Tu hija es tremenda, no para de correr.

Your daughter is a handful, she doesn't stop running.

Not always bad!

Mistake: “Thinking 'tremenda' only means 'bad' or 'terrible'.”

Correction: When describing a person's behavior, it often implies they are high-energy or mischievous, sometimes even in an admiring way.

picante

pee-KAHN-teh/piˈkante/

adjectiveB1informal
Use 'picante' when referring to jokes, comments, or content that is suggestive, risqué, or slightly indecent, implying a playful or provocative naughtiness.
A cartoon character winking broadly with a mischievous expression, holding a finger up to their lips in a 'shush' gesture.

Examples

El comediante contó un chiste muy picante sobre política.

The comedian told a very racy joke about politics.

Su comentario fue un poco picante y ofendió a algunos invitados.

His comment was a little sharp/suggestive and offended some guests.

Figurative Meaning

Think of this meaning as describing something that 'stings' or 'spices up' a conversation, making it thrilling or slightly inappropriate.

Malas vs. Tremenda

Learners often confuse 'malas' and 'tremenda'. Remember that 'malas' is a more direct translation for 'bad' behavior, while 'tremenda' is usually reserved for describing rambunctious children, implying they are full of energy and a bit wild, but not necessarily 'bad'.

Related Translations

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