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malvado

evil

adjective mahl-BAH-doh Rare

Origin: From Vulgar Latin malifatius ('ill-fated'), via Old Occitan malvat.

Also means

wicked

Usage Note

Malvado describes a person or act as morally evil or villainous, carrying a stronger, more literary charge than malo ('bad'). It is a favourite in narratives and fairy tales (el malvado brujo — 'the wicked sorcerer'). As a noun, un malvado means a villain or evildoer.

Examples

"El malvado rey robó el tesoro del pueblo."

Natural Translation

The wicked king stole the town's treasure.

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