malo

villain

adjective noun MAH-loh Rare

Also means

bad guy

Usage Note

Malo is the base adjective meaning 'bad', but as a noun el malo refers specifically to the villain or 'bad guy' in a story or film. Before a masculine singular noun it apocopates to mal — mal tiempo, not malo tiempo. The superlative is malísimo or the irregular pésimo for more formal use.

Examples

"El malo de la película escapó al final."

Natural Translation

The villain in the film escaped at the end.

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