How to Say "worse" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “worse” is “peor” — use 'peor' as an adjective when comparing two singular nouns or concepts, indicating that one is of lower quality or in a less favorable state than the other.
peor
peh-ORpeˈoɾ
Examples
Mi conexión a internet es peor que la tuya.
My internet connection is worse than yours.
Esta es la peor película que he visto.
This is the worst movie I have ever seen.
Los resultados fueron peores de lo que esperábamos.
The results were worse than we expected.
Hoy me siento peor que ayer.
Today I feel worse than yesterday.
One Form for 'Worse'
In Spanish, peor is the single word for 'worse'. You don't combine 'más' (more) and 'malo' (bad). Think of it like how English uses 'worse' instead of 'more bad'.
How to Say 'The Worst'
To say 'the worst', just put 'el', 'la', 'los', or 'las' in front of peor. For example: el peor libro (the worst book), las peores noticias (the worst news).
Doesn't Change for Gender
Peor is a handy adjective because it doesn't change for masculine or feminine things. It's el coche peor and la casa peor. It only changes for plural things (peores).
Describing Actions
When peor is used like this, it describes how an action is done. It answers the question 'How?'. For example, '¿Cómo cantas?' (How do you sing?) -> 'Canto peor que mi hermana' (I sing worse than my sister).
Always Stays the Same
As an adverb, peor never changes. It doesn't become plural or feminine. It's always just peor.
Saying 'Más Malo' or 'Más Peor'
Mistake: “Este café es más malo que el otro.”
Correction: Este café es peor que el otro. `Peor` already means 'more bad', so adding `más` is like saying 'more worser' in English.
peor
peh-ORpeˈoɾ
Examples
Hoy me siento peor que ayer.
Today I feel worse than yesterday.
Mi conexión a internet es peor que la tuya.
My internet connection is worse than yours.
Esta es la peor película que he visto.
This is the worst movie I have ever seen.
Los resultados fueron peores de lo que esperábamos.
The results were worse than we expected.
One Form for 'Worse'
In Spanish, peor is the single word for 'worse'. You don't combine 'más' (more) and 'malo' (bad). Think of it like how English uses 'worse' instead of 'more bad'.
How to Say 'The Worst'
To say 'the worst', just put 'el', 'la', 'los', or 'las' in front of peor. For example: el peor libro (the worst book), las peores noticias (the worst news).
Doesn't Change for Gender
Peor is a handy adjective because it doesn't change for masculine or feminine things. It's el coche peor and la casa peor. It only changes for plural things (peores).
Describing Actions
When peor is used like this, it describes how an action is done. It answers the question 'How?'. For example, '¿Cómo cantas?' (How do you sing?) -> 'Canto peor que mi hermana' (I sing worse than my sister).
Always Stays the Same
As an adverb, peor never changes. It doesn't become plural or feminine. It's always just peor.
Saying 'Más Malo' or 'Más Peor'
Mistake: “Este café es más malo que el otro.”
Correction: Este café es peor que el otro. `Peor` already means 'more bad', so adding `más` is like saying 'more worser' in English.
peores
peh-OH-rehspeˈoɾes
Examples
Estas notas son peores que las del mes pasado.
These grades are worse than last month's.
Los efectos secundarios fueron peores de lo que esperábamos.
The side effects were worse than we expected.
¿Hay noticias peores que estas?
Is there news worse than this?
Irregular Comparison
Just like 'better' and 'worse' in English, 'peor' (and its plural 'peores') is an irregular comparative form. It comes from 'malo' (bad).
No 'Más' Needed
Since 'peores' already means 'more bad,' you should never use the word 'más' (more) before it. Say 'peores,' not 'más peores'!
Using 'Más' Redundantly
Mistake: “Los más peores problemas...”
Correction: Los peores problemas... (The worst problems...)
Singular vs. Plural 'Worse'
Related Translations
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