Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
Wicked in Spanish: Malvado
Malvado · adjective · mahl-BAH-doh
The English word 'wicked' translates to 'malvado' in Spanish, meaning evil, villainous, or morally corrupt. It is commonly used in storytelling, fairy tales, and everyday descriptions of villainous characters. Synonyms include 'perverso' (perverse) and 'maligno' (malignant).
mahl-BAH-doh
La bruja malvada lanzó un hechizo sobre el reino.
The wicked witch cast a spell over the kingdom.
Wicked in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for wicked, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| malvado | wicked | mahl-BAH-doh | Default, widely understood |
| perverso | wicked | emphasizes moral corruption | |
| maligno | wicked | evil, with supernatural or dark connotation |
How Native Speakers Use Malvado
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Fairy tale
El personaje malvado del cuento siempre recibe su castigo al final.
The wicked character in the story always gets punished in the end.
Classic narrative structure in children's literature.
Moral judgment
Robar a los ancianos es un acto verdaderamente malvado.
Stealing from the elderly is a truly wicked act.
Expressing strong moral condemnation.
Movie review
El villano malvado fue el mejor personaje de toda la película.
The wicked villain was the best character in the entire movie.
Discussing a fictional antagonist positively.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Malvado
Slang misinterpretation
Incorrect: Esa canción es malvada. (meaning 'awesome')
Correct: Esa canción es genial.
In English slang, 'wicked' can mean 'awesome,' but 'malvado' in Spanish always carries a negative, evil connotation. Use 'genial,' 'increíble,' or 'brutal' for the positive slang meaning.
Gender agreement
Incorrect: La reina es malvado.
Correct: La reina es malvada.
'Malvado' changes to 'malvada' when describing a feminine noun. Gender agreement with adjectives is mandatory in Spanish.
Lock in Wicked Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
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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 La bruja malvada lanzó un hechizo sobre el reino. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Wicked in Spanish
- How do you say 'wicked' in Spanish?
- The translation is 'malvado' for the meaning of evil or villainous. It is used in literature, film, and everyday speech to describe someone or something morally corrupt or intentionally harmful.
- Can 'malvado' be used positively like the English slang 'wicked'?
- Unlike English where 'wicked' can colloquially mean 'awesome,' 'malvado' in Spanish strictly means evil or wicked in the negative sense. For the positive slang meaning, Spanish speakers use words like 'genial,' 'increíble,' or the informal 'brutal.'
- What is the difference between 'malvado' and 'malo'?
- 'Malo' simply means bad and covers a wide range from poor quality to mildly naughty. 'Malvado' is much stronger, implying deliberate evil or villainy. A child who misbehaves is 'malo,' while a fairy-tale villain is 'malvado.'