المعنى
Expressing a negative atmosphere.
خلفية ثقافية
In Spain, 'mal rollo' is ubiquitous. It's used by all ages and is a staple of colloquial speech. It reflects the Spanish directness in acknowledging social discomfort. While understood, Mexicans prefer 'mala onda.' Using 'mal rollo' will immediately mark you as someone who learned Spanish in Spain or from Spanish media. Argentines might use 'mala vibra' or 'mala onda,' but they also use 'bajón' for disappointing situations that Spaniards would call 'mal rollo.' The term is even used in professional contexts (informally) to describe toxic environments. 'Evitar el mal rollo' is a common goal for HR departments in modern Spanish startups.
Use it for sympathy
It's a great way to sound like a native when a friend tells you something slightly bad. It shows you're on their side.
Watch the 'll'
Make sure to pronounce the 'll' correctly. If you say 'rolo', it means something else (a cylinder) and sounds less natural.
المعنى
Expressing a negative atmosphere.
Use it for sympathy
It's a great way to sound like a native when a friend tells you something slightly bad. It shows you're on their side.
Watch the 'll'
Make sure to pronounce the 'll' correctly. If you say 'rolo', it means something else (a cylinder) and sounds less natural.
The 'Dar' trick
If you want to say someone is 'creepy,' just say 'Me da mal rollo.' It's the most common way to express that feeling.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the correct phrase to describe a creepy abandoned house.
Esa casa abandonada...
We use 'me da' (it gives me) with 'mal rollo' to describe things that make us feel uneasy.
Complete the exclamation to react to an awkward silence.
Nadie habla y todos están enfadados. ¡Qué ____ ____!
'Mal' is the correct adjective form before the masculine noun 'rollo'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Your friend tells you they failed an exam they studied hard for.
In this context, it shows sympathy for a bad situation.
Complete the dialogue between two coworkers.
A: ¿Has visto al jefe? Está gritando a todo el mundo. B: Sí, hoy ____ mucho mal rollo en la oficina.
We use 'hay' (there is/are) to describe the general atmosphere of a place.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
When to say ¡Qué mal rollo!
Social
- • Awkward silence
- • Friends fighting
- • Rude waiter
Places
- • Dark alley
- • Abandoned house
- • Creepy basement
News
- • Lost wallet
- • Cancelled trip
- • Failed exam
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينEsa casa abandonada...
We use 'me da' (it gives me) with 'mal rollo' to describe things that make us feel uneasy.
Nadie habla y todos están enfadados. ¡Qué ____ ____!
'Mal' is the correct adjective form before the masculine noun 'rollo'.
Your friend tells you they failed an exam they studied hard for.
In this context, it shows sympathy for a bad situation.
A: ¿Has visto al jefe? Está gritando a todo el mundo. B: Sí, hoy ____ mucho mal rollo en la oficina.
We use 'hay' (there is/are) to describe the general atmosphere of a place.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةNo, it's not offensive or a swear word. It's just very informal. You can use it with friends and family without worry.
Yes, people will understand you because of Spanish TV shows, but 'mala onda' is much more natural there.
'Mal ambiente' is slightly more formal and literal. 'Mal rollo' is more slangy and focuses on the 'vibe.'
Yes, for example: 'Hubo un mal rollo entre ellos.' Use the article when referring to a specific instance of tension.
Mostly, but it can also mean 'bad news' or 'a bummer' depending on the context.
You would say 'Estoy de mal rollo,' though 'Estoy de mal humor' is more common.
No, but you can say 'Esa persona tiene mal rollo.'
Constantly! It's one of the most common expressions in modern Spanish cinema and TV.
It usually refers to 'drama' or ongoing conflicts between people. 'No quiero malos rollos' = 'I don't want any drama.'
Only if you have a very close, informal relationship. Otherwise, it's too casual.
عبارات ذات صلة
Buen rollo
contrastGood vibes / positive atmosphere
Mala onda
synonymBad vibes (Latin America)
Ser un rollo
similarTo be boring
Malas pulgas
relatedTo be in a bad mood / irritable
Malas vibras
synonymBad vibes
