Significado
To appear unhealthy or unwell.
Contexto cultural
In Spain, it is very common for coworkers to say 'tienes mala cara' as a way to suggest you should go home or take it easy. It's seen as supportive. In Mexico, you might hear 'traer mala cara.' The verb 'traer' (to bring) emphasizes that the person is 'carrying' that tired look with them today. Argentines might use 'tener una cara bárbara' ironically to mean the opposite, but 'tener mala cara' remains the standard for looking sick. In Colombia, expressing concern about someone's 'cara' is often followed by offering a 'tinto' (small black coffee) to help them feel better.
The 'Tener' vs 'Poner' Rule
If you are talking about a doctor's visit, use 'tener.' If you are talking about a fight with a boyfriend, use 'poner.'
Don't be offended!
If a Spaniard tells you 'tienes mala cara,' they aren't calling you ugly. They are actually being nice and checking on you.
Significado
To appear unhealthy or unwell.
The 'Tener' vs 'Poner' Rule
If you are talking about a doctor's visit, use 'tener.' If you are talking about a fight with a boyfriend, use 'poner.'
Don't be offended!
If a Spaniard tells you 'tienes mala cara,' they aren't calling you ugly. They are actually being nice and checking on you.
Avoid 'Estar'
While 'estás mal' is okay, 'estás mala cara' is grammatically incorrect. Stick to 'tienes.'
Add 'Muy'
To sound more native, use 'muy' (very) or 'una cara fatal' (a terrible face) for emphasis.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct verb to complete the sentence about someone looking sick.
Juan ______ mala cara hoy. Creo que tiene fiebre.
We use 'tener' for the idiom 'tener mala cara' to describe looking unwell.
Fill in the missing adjective. Remember gender agreement!
María no ha dormido nada y tiene ______ cara.
'Cara' is a feminine singular noun, so the adjective must be 'mala.'
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: Your friend is scowling because they are angry at you.
'Poner mala cara' refers to making a face due to an emotion like anger or annoyance.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: ¿Qué te pasa? ______. B: No he dormido bien por el ruido.
This is the standard way to comment on someone looking tired in a conversation.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Tener vs. Poner Mala Cara
When to say 'Tienes mala cara'
Illness
- • Flu
- • Fever
- • Stomach ache
Fatigue
- • No sleep
- • Long work day
- • Jet lag
Recovery
- • Hangover
- • Dehydration
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosJuan ______ mala cara hoy. Creo que tiene fiebre.
We use 'tener' for the idiom 'tener mala cara' to describe looking unwell.
María no ha dormido nada y tiene ______ cara.
'Cara' is a feminine singular noun, so the adjective must be 'mala.'
Situation: Your friend is scowling because they are angry at you.
'Poner mala cara' refers to making a face due to an emotion like anger or annoyance.
A: ¿Qué te pasa? ______. B: No he dormido bien por el ruido.
This is the standard way to comment on someone looking tired in a conversation.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, for anger you should use 'poner mala cara.' 'Tener mala cara' is almost exclusively for health and fatigue.
It depends on your relationship. If you have a friendly boss, it's a sign of concern. If the relationship is very formal, it's better to say '¿Se encuentra bien?'
'Mala cara' is the idiom. 'Cara mala' sounds like you have a 'bad side' of your face or a physical deformity.
Yes! You can say 'Hoy tengo mala cara' if you look in the mirror and see dark circles under your eyes.
Yes, the core meaning is universal, though some regions might prefer 'traer' or 'verse.'
It is neutral. It's not slang, but it's not 'frozen' formal either. It's perfect for everyday conversation.
It's much less common and sounds less idiomatic. Always put 'mala' before 'cara' in this specific phrase.
You say 'Tienes mejor cara' or 'Ya tienes buena cara.'
No, it's also very common for extreme tiredness or even a very bad hangover.
No, for a situation use 'tener mala pinta.' 'Cara' is only for people.
Frases relacionadas
tener buena cara
contrastTo look healthy and well.
poner mala cara
similarTo scowl or look annoyed.
tener mala pinta
similarTo look bad or suspicious.
cara de pocos amigos
specialized formTo look very unfriendly or angry.
no tener cara
contrastTo have no shame.
