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A2 adjective 6 min de lecture

Mau/Má

Exemples Notes et astuces Mau/Má en 30 secondes
Explication Mau/Má in your Level:
At the A1 level, learners use 'mau' and 'má' in their simplest forms to describe basic objects and people. You might say 'um mau dia' (a bad day) or 'uma má maçã' (a bad apple). The focus is on the most frequent usage: quality and basic morality. At this stage, you should practice matching the gender of the adjective to the noun. For example, 'O carro é mau' (masculine) vs 'A sopa é má' (feminine). It is one of the first adjectives you will learn alongside 'bom' (good). You will likely use it to express simple dislikes or to describe the weather in a very basic way, such as 'mau tempo'.
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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'mau' and 'má' in more common phrases and idiomatic expressions. You might describe someone's character using 'ele é um mau homem' or talk about 'mau hálito' (bad breath). You also start to distinguish between 'mau' (adjective) and 'mal' (adverb), although mistakes are still common. You are expected to handle the plural forms 'maus' and 'més' correctly in simple sentences. You might use it to describe feelings, such as 'estou com mau humor' (I am in a bad mood). This level focuses on expanding the contexts in which 'bad' can be applied, moving from physical objects to simple abstract states.
By B1, you should be comfortable using 'mau' and 'má' in a variety of social and professional contexts. You can use it to describe more complex ideas like 'má gestão' (bad management) or 'mau funcionamento' (malfunction). You understand that 'mau' can precede a noun to change the emphasis, such as 'uma má escolha' (a bad choice). You are also becoming aware of synonyms like 'ruim' or 'péssimo' and when to use them for variety. Your ability to correctly choose between 'mau' and 'mal' should be much more consistent, and you can explain the difference to others using the 'bom/bem' rule. You also start using the word in more nuanced ways, like describing a 'mau presságio' (bad omen).
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At the B2 level, you use 'mau' and 'má' to discuss abstract concepts and provide detailed evaluations. You might analyze 'maus tratos' (mistreatment/abuse) or discuss the 'mau uso' (misuse) of resources. You are familiar with literary uses and can distinguish between 'mau' and more specific adjectives like 'nocivo' (harmful) or 'perverso' (perverse). You use the word in formal writing to critique ideas or performance. You are also proficient in using idiomatic expressions like 'de mau grado' (unwillingly) or 'ter mau feitio' (to have a bad temper). Your usage reflects an understanding of how 'mau' fits into the broader spectrum of Portuguese evaluative language.
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At the C1 level, your use of 'mau' and 'má' is sophisticated and context-aware. You recognize subtle connotations; for instance, how 'uma má pessoa' carries a different weight than 'uma pessoa ruim' in certain Portuguese regions. You can use 'mau' in complex sentence structures and rhetorical devices. You are also aware of historical or archaic uses of the word in literature. You can discuss the philosophical implications of 'o Mal' (as a noun) versus 'ser mau' (as an adjective). Your vocabulary includes a wide range of alternatives, and you choose 'mau' specifically when you want its direct, punchy, or traditional impact. You can navigate the most complex grammatical situations involving these words without hesitation.
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At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'mau' and 'má'. You understand the rhythmic and stylistic implications of placing the adjective before or after the noun in high-level prose or poetry. You can use the word in wordplay, puns, or to evoke specific cultural archetypes (like the 'Lobo Mau'). You are fully aware of the regional variations across the Lusophone world and can adapt your usage accordingly. You can use 'mau' to express irony, sarcasm, or deep moral condemnation with precision. Your mastery extends to the most obscure idioms and historical references associated with the word, allowing you to use it with total linguistic flexibility.
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Exemples Notes et astuces

Mau/Má en 30 secondes

  • Mau (masc.) and Má (fem.) mean 'bad' or 'evil'.
  • It is an adjective used to describe nouns and their qualities.
  • The opposite of 'mau' is 'bom' (good).
  • Commonly confused with 'mal' (adverb), which means 'well' or 'wrongly'.

The Portuguese word mau (masculine) and its feminine counterpart má function primarily as adjectives meaning 'bad', 'evil', or 'of poor quality'. Understanding the nuances of these words is essential for any Portuguese learner because they describe everything from the weather to a person's character. Unlike English, where 'bad' is static, Portuguese requires gender agreement with the noun it modifies. If you are describing a man with a bad temper, he is a homem mau; if you are talking about a bad idea, it is a má ideia.

Quality and Performance
When referring to the quality of an object or the performance of a professional, 'mau' indicates a lack of skill or utility. For example, a 'mau aluno' is a student who does not study or perform well, while 'mau vinho' is wine that has turned sour or was poorly made.

Ele é um mau exemplo para as crianças.

Moral Character
In a moral or ethical context, 'mau' shifts toward 'evil' or 'wicked'. In fairy tales, the 'Big Bad Wolf' is known as 'O Lobo Mau'. It describes an internal disposition toward doing harm or lacking empathy.

Não sejas uma pessoa má com os teus amigos.

Environmental Contexts
We use 'mau' frequently to describe external conditions like weather ('mau tempo') or smells ('mau cheiro'). It suggests an unpleasant sensory experience that is objective or widely agreed upon.

O mau tempo impediu a nossa viagem à praia.

Esta comida tem um mau aspeto.

Ela recebeu uma má notícia esta manhã.

Using mau and má correctly requires paying close attention to the noun being modified. Because these are adjectives, they must agree in gender and number with the noun. The plural forms are maus and més. Positioning is also important; while usually placed after the noun for objective description, placing it before the noun can sometimes add emphasis or a more subjective, emotional tone.

Describing People
When describing a person's character, 'mau' usually follows the noun unless you are using a fixed epithet. A 'homem mau' is a bad man. However, 'um mau pai' (a bad father) often places the adjective before to emphasize the failure in the role.

Ele é um mau perdedor.

Abstract Concepts
For abstract nouns like 'sorte' (luck) or 'vontade' (will), 'má' is frequently used. 'Má sorte' is the standard way to say bad luck. 'Má vontade' suggests a lack of willingness or a negative attitude toward a task.

Tivemos má sorte com o trânsito.

Physical Sensations
If you are feeling unwell, you might say 'estou com mau estar' (though 'mal-estar' as a noun is more common). For specific physical traits, like bad breath, use 'mau hálito'.

Escovar os dentes evita o mau hálito.

Não fiques com má consciência.

Os resultados foram maus este trimestre.

You will encounter mau and má in almost every facet of Portuguese life. From the evening news discussing 'mau tempo' (bad weather) to parents scolding a child for 'males' (bad actions/mischief), the word is ubiquitous. It is a foundational adjective that helps speakers categorize their experiences and surroundings quickly.

In the News
Journalists use 'mau' to describe economic downturns ('mau momento económico') or poor diplomatic relations. It provides a clear, albeit simple, evaluation of complex situations.

A previsão indica mau tempo para o fim de semana.

Daily Social Interactions
In casual conversation, you'll hear people complain about 'má disposição' (feeling unwell or in a bad mood). If a service was poor, someone might say 'foi um mau serviço'. It is the go-to word for general dissatisfaction.

Estou com má disposição hoje.

Literature and Storytelling
In stories, the 'mau' characters are the villains. Literature uses 'mau' to establish a clear dichotomy between good and evil, often using the word to describe 'maus presságios' (bad omens) or 'més influências' (bad influences).

O vilão da história era um homem muito mau.

Cuidado com as més companhias.

Ele está sempre de mau humor.

The most frequent mistake for learners of Portuguese—and even native speakers in writing—is the confusion between mau and mal. While they sound similar (and in some Brazilian dialects, identical), they belong to different grammatical categories and have different opposites. Mastering this distinction is a hallmark of an intermediate learner.

Mau vs. Mal
'Mau' is an adjective. It modifies nouns. Its opposite is 'bom' (good). 'Mal' is an adverb (or sometimes a noun). It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Its opposite is 'bem' (well).

Errado: Ele comporta-se mau. (He behaves bad.)
Correto: Ele comporta-se mal. (He behaves badly.)

The 'Bom/Bem' Test
If you are unsure, try replacing the word with 'good' or 'well'. If 'bom' fits, use 'mau'. If 'bem' fits, use 'mal'. For 'mau hálito', you would say 'bom hálito' (opposite), so 'mau' is correct. For 'ele canta mal', you would say 'ele canta bem', so 'mal' is correct.

Ele é um mau cozinheiro. (Opposite: Ele é um bom cozinheiro.)

Plural Irregularity
Learners often try to pluralize 'má' as 'más'. While 'más' is used in Spanish, in Portuguese the feminine plural of 'má' is 'més'. Using 'más' is a common 'Portunhol' error.

Aquelas são més notícias. (Not 'más'.)

O mau uso da tecnologia pode ser perigoso.

Não tenhas mau perder!

While mau is a great all-purpose word, expanding your vocabulary with more specific synonyms will make your Portuguese sound more natural and sophisticated. Depending on whether you are describing quality, morality, or intensity, different words may be more appropriate.

Ruim
Very common in Brazil, 'ruim' is used for anything of low quality or unpleasant. In Portugal, it is often used for things that are harmful or mean-spirited. 'Este filme é ruim' (This movie is bad).
Péssimo
The absolute superlative. If something is 'péssimo', it is 'terrible' or 'the worst'. Use this for strong emphasis. 'O serviço foi péssimo' (The service was terrible).

O tempo hoje está péssimo.

Malvado
Specifically used for moral badness or wickedness. Often used in stories for villains or to describe a cruel act. 'Um plano malvado' (An evil plan).

A bruxa era muito malvada.

Foi uma terrível experiência.

Ele tem um comportamento indesejado.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The feminine plural 'més' is a unique evolution in Portuguese. While Spanish kept 'malas', Portuguese underwent a phonetic shift that resulted in the 'é' sound.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈmaw/
US /ˈmaʊ/
Single syllable word; stress is on the diphthong 'au'.
Rime avec
Grau Nau Pau Degrau Bacalhau Uau Sarau Tchau
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing 'mau' like 'mow' (as in 'mow the lawn') – it should rhyme with 'now'.
  • Treating 'má' like the English 'ma' – it has a more open 'ah' sound.
  • Confusing the pronunciation of 'mau' and 'mal' in European Portuguese (where 'mal' has a darker 'l').
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Exemples par niveau

1

O dia está mau.

The day is bad.

Simple adjective use; 'mau' agrees with 'dia' (masculine).

2

Ela é uma má menina.

She is a bad girl.

'Má' is the feminine form of 'mau'.

3

O café está mau.

The coffee is bad.

Used to describe poor quality of food/drink.

4

Hoje há mau tempo.

Today there is bad weather.

'Mau tempo' is a very common collocation.

5

Este livro é mau.

This book is bad.

Describing a low-quality object.

6

O cão é mau?

Is the dog bad/mean?

Asking about character or behavior.

7

Eu tive um mau sonho.

I had a bad dream.

Describing an unpleasant experience.

8

A comida cheira mau.

The food smells bad.

Note: 'Cheira mal' is more common for 'smells bad', but 'mau cheiro' is the noun phrase.

1

Ele tem um mau feitio.

He has a bad temper/personality.

Idiomatic expression for personality.

2

Foi uma má ideia vir aqui.

It was a bad idea to come here.

'Má' precedes the noun 'ideia' for emphasis.

3

Não sejas um mau amigo.

Don't be a bad friend.

Moral/social evaluation.

4

Os resultados são maus.

The results are bad.

Plural masculine form 'maus'.

5

Ela está de mau humor.

She is in a bad mood.

Common expression for temporary state.

6

Tivemos má sorte ontem.

We had bad luck yesterday.

'Má sorte' is the standard phrase for bad luck.

7

O peixe tem um mau aspeto.

The fish looks bad.

Describing physical appearance.

8

Ele é um mau aluno.

He is a bad student.

Evaluating performance.

1

A má gestão levou à falência.

The bad management led to bankruptcy.

Abstract noun agreement.

2

Sinto um mau presságio sobre isto.

I feel a bad omen about this.

More advanced vocabulary context.

3

O mau funcionamento da máquina é óbvio.

The malfunction of the machine is obvious.

Compound-like usage: 'mau funcionamento'.

4

Eles deram um mau exemplo.

They gave a bad example.

Social/moral context.

5

As més notícias chegam depressa.

Bad news travels fast.

Irregular feminine plural 'més'.

6

Houve uma má interpretação do texto.

There was a bad interpretation of the text.

Describing a cognitive error.

7

Ele agiu de má vontade.

He acted with ill-will/unwillingly.

Describes attitude/intent.

8

O mau hálito pode ser um problema social.

Bad breath can be a social problem.

Physical trait description.

1

O relatório aponta para um mau desempenho.

The report points to bad performance.

Formal/professional context.

2

A má utilização dos recursos é preocupante.

The misuse of resources is worrying.

Evaluating systematic issues.

3

Ele foi vítima de maus tratos.

He was a victim of mistreatment/abuse.

'Maus tratos' is a fixed legal/social term.

4

Foi um mau passo na sua carreira.

It was a bad step in his career.

Metaphorical use of 'step'.

5

A má fé nas negociações foi evidente.

The bad faith in the negotiations was evident.

'Má fé' is a legal/ethical term (bad faith).

6

O filme retrata um homem mau e cruel.

The movie portrays a bad and cruel man.

Literary/artistic description.

7

A má vizinhança pode ser stressante.

Bad neighborhood/neighbors can be stressful.

Describing environmental quality.

8

Ele carrega uma má consciência.

He carries a bad conscience.

Internal psychological state.

1

A má distribuição de riqueza gera conflitos.

The bad distribution of wealth generates conflicts.

Socio-economic analysis context.

2

O texto está pejado de maus argumentos.

The text is full of bad arguments.

Academic/logical critique.

3

Ela aceitou o cargo de mau grado.

She accepted the position unwillingly.

Sophisticated idiom 'de mau grado'.

4

O mau gosto da decoração era gritante.

The bad taste of the decoration was glaring.

Aesthetic evaluation.

5

A empresa enfrenta uma má fase financeira.

The company is facing a bad financial phase.

Describing a period of time.

6

A má fama precede o político.

The bad reputation precedes the politician.

Discussing reputation/social standing.

7

Há um mau serviço de assistência ao cliente.

There is a bad customer service.

Service quality evaluation.

8

O autor explora a dicotomia entre o bom e o mau.

The author explores the dichotomy between the good and the bad.

Philosophical/literary analysis.

1

A mácula de um mau nome é difícil de apagar.

The stain of a bad name is hard to erase.

High-level metaphorical/literary usage.

2

O mau encaminhamento da queixa causou o atraso.

The bad routing of the complaint caused the delay.

Precise administrative terminology.

3

O mau olhado é uma crença antiga.

The 'evil eye' is an ancient belief.

Cultural/anthropological reference.

4

As més línguas dizem que ele vai desistir.

The 'bad tongues' (gossips) say he will quit.

Idiomatic use for gossip: 'més línguas'.

5

Foi um mau augúrio para a expedição.

It was a bad omen for the expedition.

Archaic/literary synonym for 'presságio'.

6

O mau aproveitamento escolar é multicausal.

Poor school performance is multi-causal.

Formal academic/sociological register.

7

A má ventura perseguiu-o durante anos.

Bad fortune pursued him for years.

Literary word for 'bad luck' (má ventura).

8

Ele é um mau caráter, sem escrúpulos.

He is a person of bad character, without scruples.

Strong moral condemnation.

Collocations courantes

Mau tempo
Mau hálito
Má sorte
Mau humor
Má ideia
Mau cheiro
Mau feitio
Maus tratos
Má fé
Mau aspeto

Phrases Courantes

De mau grado

— Doing something against one's will or reluctantly.

Fui à reunião de mau grado.

Ter mau perder

— To be a sore loser; not handling defeat well.

O João tem muito mau perder.

Más línguas

— Gossipers or people who speak ill of others.

As más línguas dizem que eles se separaram.

Mau olhado

— The evil eye; a superstitious belief in harmful glares.

Dizem que ela me deitou mau olhado.

Má rês

— A person of bad character (colloquial/older).

Aquele vizinho é uma má rês.

Pôr-se de mau humor

— To get into a bad mood.

Não te ponhas de mau humor por causa disso.

Em mau estado

— In poor condition or broken.

O carro está em mau estado.

Má vizinhança

— Bad neighbors or a bad neighborhood.

Mudámos de casa por causa da má vizinhança.

Mau presságio

— A bad omen or sign of future trouble.

O corvo foi um mau presságio.

Fazer má figura

— To make a bad impression or look foolish.

Não digas isso ou vais fazer má figura.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Cortar na casaca"

— To talk bad about someone behind their back.

Elas estão sempre a cortar na casaca da colega.

Informal
"Estar com os azeites"

— To be in a very bad mood.

Hoje o chefe está com os azeites.

Informal
"Deitar a perder"

— To ruin something or make it go bad.

Essa atitude vai deitar tudo a perder.

Neutral
"Mais vale só do que mal acompanhado"

— Better to be alone than in bad company.

Decidi não ir com eles; mais vale só do que mal acompanhado.

Proverb
"Vaso mau não quebra"

— Bad things (or people) are hard to destroy or get rid of.

Ele recuperou rápido; vaso mau não quebra.

Proverb
"Dar o mau exemplo"

— To set a bad example for others.

Os pais não devem dar o mau exemplo.

Neutral
"Estar de má morte"

— To look very sick or exhausted.

Depois da maratona, ele estava de má morte.

Informal
"Ter a língua afiada"

— To say bad or mean things about others frequently.

Cuidado com ela, tem a língua afiada.

Informal
"Ver-se em maus lençóis"

— To find oneself in a bad or difficult situation.

Se não pagares a dívida, vais ver-te em maus lençóis.

Informal
"Fazer ouvidos de mercador"

— To ignore bad advice or complaints (pretend not to hear).

Ele fez ouvidos de mercador às minhas críticas.

Idiomatic

Famille de mots

Noms

Mal (Evil/Harm)
Maldade (Wickedness)
Malfeitor (Evildoer)
Malícia (Malice)

Verbes

Amaldiçoar (To curse)
Maldizer (To speak ill of)

Adjectifs

Mau/Má (Bad)
Malvado (Wicked)
Maldoso (Mean)

Apparenté

Péssimo
Ruim
Maligno
Benigno
Bondoso
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Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'MOUse' (Mau) that is 'BAD' for your pantry. Mau rhymes with how a dog barks (au au), and a 'bad' dog barks a lot!

Association visuelle

Imagine a big red 'X' over a picture of a 'BOM' (good) gift, turning it into a 'MAU' (bad) gift.

Word Web

Mau Má Maus Més Mal Bom Ruim Péssimo

Défi

Try to find 5 things in your room today that you can describe as 'mau' or 'má' (even if you're just joking!) and say them out loud.

Origine du mot

From the Latin 'malus', meaning bad, evil, or wicked. This root is shared across all Romance languages (e.g., 'malo' in Spanish, 'mauvais' in French).

Sens originel : In Latin, 'malus' described anything defective or morally reprehensible.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Galician-Portuguese > Portuguese.

Contexte culturel

Be careful when calling a person 'mau'. It is a strong judgment of character. Use 'ruim' or 'antipático' for someone who is just unfriendly.

English speakers often use 'bad' for everything. In Portuguese, you must switch to 'mal' for adverbs. 'He plays bad' is 'Ele joga mal', not 'mau'.

O Lobo Mau (The Big Bad Wolf) Maus (The famous graphic novel, though German for mouse, it resonates with the Portuguese word for 'bad ones') O Bom, o Mau e o Vilão (The Good, the Bad and the Ugly)
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