Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Evil in Spanish: Malvado
Malvado · adjective · mahl-VAH-doh
Malvado (feminine: malvada) is the go-to Spanish adjective for evil, describing a person or character of deep moral corruption. When speaking about evil as an abstract force, Spanish uses the noun el mal. Maligno carries religious or supernatural overtones, while perverso conveys depravity in more literary contexts.
mahl-VAH-doh
El villano malvado planeaba destruir la ciudad.
The evil villain planned to destroy the city.
Evil in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for evil, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| malvado | evil | mahl-VAH-doh | Default, widely understood |
| el mal | evil | evil as a noun, the abstract concept of evil | |
| maligno | evil | malignant or evil, often in religious or medical contexts | |
| perverso | evil | perverse or wicked, literary and formal registers |
How Native Speakers Use Malvado
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Describing a fictional character
La bruja malvada lanzó un hechizo sobre el reino.
The evil witch cast a spell over the kingdom.
Fairy tale or fantasy storytelling
Philosophical reflection
La lucha entre el bien y el mal es un tema universal.
The struggle between good and evil is a universal theme.
Using el mal as a noun in an abstract discussion
Describing intentions
Sus planes malignos fueron descubiertos antes de que pudiera actuar.
His malignant plans were discovered before he could act.
Thriller or suspense narrative
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Malvado
Forgetting gender agreement
Incorrect: Ella es muy malvado.
Correct: Ella es muy malvada.
Malvado changes to malvada when describing a feminine subject. Spanish adjectives must agree in gender with the noun they modify.
Using malo when malvado is needed
Incorrect: El dictador era muy malo.
Correct: El dictador era malvado.
Malo means bad in a general sense. Malvado conveys genuine evil or wickedness and is a stronger, more precise choice for morally corrupt characters.
Lock in Evil Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Malvado used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using malvado in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear El villano malvado planeaba destruir la ciudad. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
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Common Questions About Evil in Spanish
- What is the difference between malo and malvado?
- Malo is a general-purpose word for bad — bad weather, bad food, a bad day. Malvado specifically implies moral evil or wickedness and is reserved for people or characters with harmful intent.
- How do I say 'evil eye' in Spanish?
- The evil eye is called 'el mal de ojo' or simply 'el ojo.' It is a widespread superstition in many Spanish-speaking cultures, believed to cause bad luck or illness through envious glances.
- Can I use perverso to mean evil in everyday conversation?
- Perverso is understood but sounds literary or dramatic. In daily speech, malvado is more natural for describing someone as evil. Perverso often implies moral corruption with a sexual or deeply depraved connotation.