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A2 adjective #7,500 가장 일반적인 10분 분량

maldoso

상위 7,500

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁 maldoso 30초 만에

설명 maldoso in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn adjectives to describe people. You likely know 'bom' (good) and 'mau' (bad). 'Maldoso' is a great next step because it adds more detail. At this stage, focus on using it in very simple sentences with the verb 'ser' (to be). Think of it as 'mean.' For example, 'Ele é maldoso' (He is mean). You should also learn that if you are talking about a girl, you change the ending to 'a': 'Ela é maldosa.' It's a useful word for describing characters in simple stories or explaining why you don't like someone. Don't worry too much about complex grammar; just treat it like a label for someone who is not nice. You might hear it when people talk about 'mean dogs' (cachorros maldosos) or 'mean people' (pessoas maldosas). Remember, it's about the person's character in that moment or in general. It's a very common word, so learning it early helps you understand how Portuguese speakers express negative feelings about someone's behavior.

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At the A2 level, you are expected to provide more detailed descriptions and handle everyday social situations. 'Maldoso' is essential here because it helps you describe interpersonal conflicts. You can now start using it with nouns: 'um comentário maldoso' (a mean comment), 'um olhar maldoso' (a mean look). You should also understand the difference between 'ser maldoso' (to be a mean person generally) and 'estar maldoso' (to be acting mean right now). This level also introduces the concept of agreement in plural: 'Eles são maldosos.' You can use it to talk about school, family, or basic news. For instance, 'Aquele menino é maldoso com os animais' (That boy is mean to animals). You are also starting to see that 'maldoso' is more specific than 'mau.' While a 'mau tempo' (bad weather) is common, 'maldoso tempo' would sound very strange because weather doesn't have intentions. This helps you learn that 'maldoso' is almost always used for living things or actions that have a mind behind them.

By B1, you are becoming an intermediate learner who can discuss abstract ideas and give opinions. You can use 'maldoso' to talk about social issues like bullying or internet culture. You should be comfortable using it in more complex sentence structures, such as 'Eu não gosto de pessoas que são maldosas sem motivo' (I don't like people who are mean without a reason). At this level, you can also start using the noun form 'maldade' (meanness/evil act) alongside the adjective. You'll notice 'maldoso' in media, like in 'telenovelas' or movie reviews. You can also use it to describe intentions: 'Ele teve uma intenção maldosa' (He had a malicious intention). You should also be able to distinguish 'maldoso' from 'cruel' or 'malvado.' 'Maldoso' is your everyday word for malice, while the others are for more extreme cases. You might also encounter it in the superlative form: 'Ele é maldosíssimo' (He is extremely mean), which is a common way to emphasize a trait in Portuguese. This level is about nuance and using the word to express more precise moral judgments.

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At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the emotional and social weight of 'maldoso.' You can use it in professional or academic contexts to describe 'bad faith' or malicious behavior. For example, 'A empresa agiu de forma maldosa ao esconder os fatos' (The company acted maliciously by hiding the facts). You can handle more idiomatic uses and understand when the word is being used ironically. You are also expected to use a wider range of synonyms to avoid repetition, choosing between 'maldoso,' 'perverso,' and 'mesquinho' based on the specific type of meanness. You might analyze literature where a character's 'índole maldosa' (malicious nature) is a key theme. At B2, you also understand the placement of the adjective more deeply; placing 'maldoso' before the noun ('um maldoso ataque') to create a specific rhetorical effect. Your ability to use the word in the subjunctive mood also increases: 'Espero que ele não seja maldoso com ela' (I hope he isn't mean to her).

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As a C1 learner, you use 'maldoso' with full native-like precision. You understand its etymological roots and how it relates to other words in the 'mal' family. You can use it to describe subtle psychological states, like 'uma curiosidade maldosa' (a malicious curiosity) or 'um silêncio maldoso' (a mean/pointed silence). You can engage in deep discussions about morality, using 'maldoso' to describe 'micro-aggressions' or subtle social dynamics. You'll find the word in high-level literature, legal documents (referring to 'má-fé' or malicious intent), and philosophical debates. You understand that 'maldoso' can sometimes carry a connotation of 'shrewdness' or 'cunning' when used in specific contexts. For example, a 'maldosa inteligência' might describe someone who is brilliantly but cruelly clever. You can also use the word in complex, multi-clause sentences without hesitation, and you are aware of its frequency in different Portuguese-speaking regions (Brazil vs. Portugal vs. Angola).

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At the C2 level, you have mastered the word 'maldoso' to the point of being able to use it in creative writing, poetry, and advanced rhetoric. You can play with the word's connotations, using it to evoke specific historical or cultural archetypes (like the 'maldosa madrasta' of folklore). You understand the most subtle differences between 'maldoso' and its rarest synonyms like 'truculento' or 'malévolo.' You can interpret the word in archaic texts and modern slang alike. Your use of 'maldoso' is perfectly integrated into your personal style, whether you are writing a satirical essay or a formal critique. You might use it to describe the 'maldade' inherent in certain structures of power or to analyze the 'maldoso' humor of a specific comedian. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a tool for precise, evocative expression that reflects a deep understanding of the human condition as expressed through the Portuguese language.

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연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

maldoso 30초 만에

Maldoso means 'mean' or 'malicious' in Portuguese.
It focuses on the intent to cause harm or distress.
It is the opposite of 'bondoso' (kind).
It must agree in gender and number with the noun.

The Portuguese word maldoso is a multifaceted adjective that primarily translates to 'mean,' 'malicious,' or 'wicked' in English. It is derived from the root 'mal' (evil/bad) combined with the suffix '-oso' (full of), literally suggesting someone who is 'full of badness' or 'full of ill intent.' Unlike the generic word 'mau' (bad), which can describe a bad quality or a bad person in a broad sense, maldoso specifically targets the intention behind an action. When you call someone maldoso, you are implying that they are acting with the deliberate aim of causing emotional or physical distress, or that they derive some form of satisfaction from being unkind.

Intentionality: The core of being maldoso is the presence of 'malice aforethought.' It is not an accident. If someone trips you by mistake, they are clumsy; if they trip you to make people laugh at you, they are being maldosos.
Social Context: In social circles, particularly in Brazil and Portugal, this word is frequently used to describe gossip (fofoca maldosa) or comments that are 'catty' or 'shady.' It describes that specific type of social aggression where the words are designed to sting.

Aquele comentário que ela fez sobre o seu vestido foi muito maldoso.

Translation: That comment she made about your dress was very mean.

You will encounter this word in literature when describing antagonists, in news reports involving petty crimes or harassment, and in daily conversations when discussing interpersonal conflicts. It is a common word at the A2 level because it allows learners to move beyond simple 'good/bad' dichotomies and express more nuanced moral judgments. It is essential to note the gender agreement: maldoso for masculine nouns and maldosa for feminine nouns. For example, 'uma criança maldosa' (a mean child) or 'um plano maldoso' (a malicious plan).

Não seja maldoso com o seu irmão mais novo.

Translation: Don't be mean to your younger brother.

Psychological Nuance: Psychologically, maldoso suggests a lack of empathy. It is the opposite of bondoso (kind/good-hearted). While a 'mau' person might just be incompetent or generally unpleasant, a 'maldoso' person seeks out opportunities to be hurtful.

Ele tem um olhar maldoso que me assusta.

Translation: He has a malicious look that scares me.

In summary, use maldoso when you want to emphasize that someone's bad behavior is intentional and targeted. It bridges the gap between 'mean' and 'evil,' often landing right on 'malicious.' It is a versatile tool for describing characters in stories, people in your life, or even abstract concepts like 'maldosa curiosidade' (malicious curiosity).

Using maldoso correctly requires an understanding of Portuguese adjective-noun agreement and positioning. In most cases, maldoso follows the noun it modifies, which is the standard position for descriptive adjectives in Portuguese. However, placing it before the noun can sometimes add a poetic or emphatic weight, though this is less common in everyday speech.

Gender and Number Agreement: The adjective must match the noun in gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural).
- Masculine Singular: O menino maldoso (The mean boy)
- Feminine Singular: A menina maldosa (The mean girl)
- Masculine Plural: Os meninos maldosos (The mean boys)
- Feminine Plural: As meninas maldosas (The mean girls)

Eles espalharam boatos maldosos pela escola inteira.

Translation: They spread malicious rumors throughout the whole school.

The word is frequently used with the verb ser (to be - permanent/characteristic) or estar (to be - temporary state). Use ser when describing a person's general personality: 'Ele é maldoso.' Use estar when someone is acting mean in a specific moment: 'Por que você está sendo maldoso hoje?' This distinction is vital for accurate communication.

Foi uma atitude maldosa que ninguém esperava dele.

Translation: It was a mean attitude that no one expected from him.

In terms of intensity, you can modify maldoso with adverbs like muito (very), extremamente (extremely), or um pouco (a bit). This allows you to scale the severity of the malice you are describing. 'Um pouco maldoso' might describe a light jab, while 'extremamente maldoso' describes something truly cruel.

Common Verb Pairings: - Parecer maldoso: To seem mean.
- Agir de forma maldosa: To act in a mean way.
- Dizer algo maldoso: To say something mean.

Não diga nada maldoso se não tiver nada bom para falar.

Translation: Don't say anything mean if you don't have anything good to say.

Finally, remember that maldoso can describe things other than people, such as an 'olhar' (look), a 'sorriso' (smile), or a 'pensamento' (thought). If a smile suggests that someone is planning something bad, it is a sorriso maldoso. This versatility makes it a powerful word for building imagery in your Portuguese writing.

In the real world, maldoso is a staple of everyday social interaction, media, and storytelling. It is not a formal or archaic term; rather, it is the go-to word for identifying bad intentions. You will hear it in various settings, ranging from playground disputes to sophisticated political commentary.

In Pop Culture and Telenovelas: Brazilian soap operas (telenovelas) are famous for their 'vilões' (villains). Characters like Carminha or Nazaré Tedesco are frequently described as maldosas. Fans discuss their planos maldosos (evil plans) and their línguas maldosas (sharp/mean tongues). If a character is doing something to ruin the protagonist's life, the audience will inevitably call them maldosos.

A vilã da novela tem um coração muito maldoso.

Translation: The soap opera villain has a very wicked heart.

In schools and workplaces, the word is used to describe bullying or toxic behavior. If a colleague constantly undermines another with snide remarks, others might whisper that they are maldosos. It is a word used to label behavior that crosses the line from competitive to intentionally hurtful.

A internet está cheia de gente maldosa escondida atrás de fakes.

Translation: The internet is full of mean people hidden behind fake accounts.

In family settings, parents might use it to discipline children. 'Não seja maldoso com o seu colega' (Don't be mean to your classmate). It is used to teach empathy and social boundaries. Similarly, in fairy tales told to children, the 'stepmother' is almost always maldosa (a madrasta maldosa).

News and Journalism: While 'criminoso' (criminal) is more formal, journalists might use maldoso or perverso to describe the nature of a particularly cruel act. For example, 'um ataque maldoso e gratuito' (a mean and gratuitous attack).

O crítico foi desnecessariamente maldoso em sua resenha.

Translation: The critic was unnecessarily mean in his review.

Whether you are watching a movie, reading the news, or chatting with friends at a café, maldoso is the label applied to the darker side of human intention. It is a word that resonates with the universal human experience of encountering unkindness.

Learning to use maldoso correctly involves navigating a few linguistic pitfalls. Because Portuguese has several words for 'bad' or 'evil,' English speakers often default to the simplest one, mau, or confuse maldoso with more extreme terms like malvado.

Maldoso vs. Mau: This is the most common mistake. Mau is a general adjective for 'bad' (the opposite of bom). A 'mau aluno' is a bad student (maybe they just don't study). A 'maldoso aluno' is a student who is intentionally mean to others. If you say 'ele é um mau homem,' you mean he is a bad man. If you say 'ele é um homem maldoso,' you are specifically highlighting his malicious nature.

Errado: Ele é maldoso em matemática. (He is mean at math.)
Correto: Ele é mau em matemática. (He is bad at math.)

Another mistake is the confusion between maldoso and malvado. While they are synonyms, malvado is often associated with fairy-tale evil or 'villainy' (think Disney villains). Maldoso is much more common for everyday 'meanness.' Calling a friend malvado for a small joke might sound overly dramatic, whereas maldoso fits better.

Errado: Elas são maldoso.
Correto: Elas são maldosas.

Confusion with the adverb mal (badly) is also frequent. Mal describes how an action is done, while maldoso describes a person or thing. You can't say 'Ele agiu maldoso' (He acted mean); you should say 'Ele agiu de forma maldosa' (He acted in a mean way) or 'Ele agiu mal' (He acted badly).

Positioning Nuances: While putting it before the noun isn't strictly 'wrong,' it can change the meaning or sound unnatural. 'Um maldoso comentário' sounds like something out of an old book. Stick to 'Um comentário maldoso' for natural-sounding Portuguese.

Cuidado com o maldoso vizinho. (Sounds literary/strange)
Cuidado com o vizinho maldoso. (Sounds natural)

By keeping these distinctions in mind—especially the difference between general 'badness' (mau) and intentional 'meanness' (maldoso)—you will avoid the most frequent errors and sound much more like a native speaker.

Portuguese is rich in adjectives that describe negative character traits. Depending on the intensity and the context, you might want to replace maldoso with a more specific term. Understanding these nuances will significantly elevate your vocabulary.

Malvado: Often used as a synonym for maldoso, but carries a stronger connotation of 'evil.' It is the classic word for villains in stories (O Lobo Malvado - The Big Bad Wolf). If maldoso is 'mean,' malvado is 'wicked.'
Cruel: This word is identical to English 'cruel.' It implies a higher level of brutality or a total lack of mercy. While a maldoso comment might hurt someone's feelings, a cruel act might cause physical or deep psychological suffering.
Perverso: This means 'perverse' or 'depraved.' It suggests a twisted sense of pleasure in doing wrong. It is much more formal and serious than maldoso.

Ela não é apenas maldosa, ela é verdadeiramente perversa.

Translation: She isn't just mean, she is truly perverse.

For milder situations, you might use ruim (bad/mean) or desagradável (unpleasant). In Brazil, the slang vacilão can sometimes be used for someone who acts in a 'maldoso' or untrustworthy way, though it is very informal.

O plano dele era insidioso e visava destruir a empresa.

Translation: His plan was insidious and aimed to destroy the company.

If you want to describe someone who likes to gossip in a mean way, you can use língua de trapo (literally 'rag tongue') or fofoqueiro (gossiper), though fofoqueiro maldoso is a very common combination.

Mesquinho: Meaning 'petty' or 'mean-spirited' in a small-minded way. Often used when someone is being maldoso about something insignificant, like money or minor credit.

Não seja mesquinho; divida o lanche com ela.

Translation: Don't be petty; share the snack with her.

Choosing the right word depends on the 'flavor' of the meanness you are describing. Maldoso remains the most versatile, mid-range term for general maliciousness in everyday life.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The suffix '-oso' is incredibly productive in Portuguese. You can turn almost any noun into an adjective describing 'full of' that thing (e.g., 'cheiro' -> 'cheiroso' for 'smelly/fragrant').

발음 가이드

UK /malˈdo.zu/

US /mɑlˈdoʊ.zoʊ/

The stress is on the second syllable: mal-DO-so.

라임이 맞는 단어

bondoso generoso venenoso perigoso famoso precioso curioso orgulhoso

자주 하는 실수

Pronouncing the 's' as an 's' sound instead of a 'z' sound (it should be 'mal-do-zo').
Making the 'l' too clear if speaking in a Brazilian accent (it sounds more like 'maw').
Stress on the first syllable.
Forgetting to change the ending for gender (maldosa).
Nasalizing the 'o' too much.

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the 'mal' root and common suffix.

쓰기 3/5

Requires remembering gender and number agreement.

말하기 3/5

The 's' as 'z' pronunciation can be tricky for beginners.

듣기 2/5

Clearly articulated in most dialects.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

mal mau bom ser estar

다음에 배울 것

maldade malvado perverso cruel bondoso

고급

malévolo insidioso mesquinho truculento

알아야 할 문법

Adjective-Noun Agreement

O comentário (masc) maldoso (masc); A fofoca (fem) maldosa (fem).

Pluralization of Adjectives ending in -o

Maldoso -> Maldosos; Maldosa -> Maldosas.

Ser vs. Estar with character traits

Ele é maldoso (personality); Ele está maldoso hoje (temporary behavior).

Positioning of Adjectives

Usually follows the noun: 'Um homem maldoso.' Preceding adds emphasis: 'Um maldoso homem.'

Formation of Adverbs with -mente

Maldosa + mente = Maldosamente (Meanly).

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수준별 예문

O gato é maldoso.

The cat is mean.

Simple adjective use with the verb 'ser'.

Ela não é maldosa.

She is not mean.

Negative sentence with feminine agreement.

Você é maldoso?

Are you mean?

Simple question format.

O menino é maldoso.

The boy is mean.

Masculine singular agreement.

Eles são maldosos.

They are mean.

Masculine plural agreement.

A menina é maldosa.

The girl is mean.

Feminine singular agreement.

Eu sou maldoso?

Am I mean?

First person singular question.

Cachorros maldosos mordem.

Mean dogs bite.

Adjective modifying a plural noun.

Ele fez um comentário maldoso.

He made a mean comment.

Adjective following the noun 'comentário'.

Não seja maldoso com ela.

Don't be mean to her.

Imperative negative form.

Ela tem um olhar muito maldoso.

She has a very mean look.

Use of 'muito' to intensify the adjective.

O plano dele era maldoso.

His plan was mean.

Past tense 'era' with 'maldoso'.

Aquela fofoca foi muito maldosa.

That gossip was very mean.

Feminine agreement with 'fofoca'.

Por que você está sendo maldoso?

Why are you being mean?

Use of 'estar sendo' for temporary behavior.

O professor não é maldoso.

The teacher is not mean.

Negative statement about character.

Eles disseram coisas maldosas.

They said mean things.

Feminine plural agreement with 'coisas'.

A internet pode ser um lugar muito maldoso.

The internet can be a very mean place.

Adjective modifying 'lugar' (place).

Ele riu de uma forma maldosa.

He laughed in a mean way.

Adverbial phrase 'de uma forma maldosa'.

Foi uma brincadeira maldosa que machucou.

It was a mean prank that hurt.

Relative clause 'que machucou'.

Eu não queria parecer maldoso.

I didn't want to seem mean.

Infinitive 'parecer' with the adjective.

As críticas foram desnecessariamente maldosas.

The criticisms were unnecessarily mean.

Adverb 'desnecessariamente' modifying the adjective.

Ele ignorou o comentário maldoso do colega.

He ignored his colleague's mean comment.

Possessive 'do colega' modifying the noun-adjective pair.

Dizem que ela tem uma língua muito maldosa.

They say she has a very mean tongue (gossips a lot).

Idiomatic use of 'língua' with 'maldosa'.

O vilão da história é extremamente maldoso.

The story's villain is extremely mean.

Intensifier 'extremamente'.

A empresa foi acusada de ter um comportamento maldoso.

The company was accused of having malicious behavior.

Formal context using 'comportamento'.

Espero que você não interprete meu silêncio como maldoso.

I hope you don't interpret my silence as mean.

Subjunctive mood 'interprete'.

Ela agiu com uma intenção nitidamente maldosa.

She acted with a clearly malicious intention.

Adverb 'nitidamente' (clearly/distinctly).

O artigo era maldoso e cheio de mentiras.

The article was mean and full of lies.

Coordinated adjectives 'maldoso e cheio'.

É difícil perdoar um ato tão maldoso.

It's hard to forgive such a mean act.

Use of 'tão' (so) for emphasis.

Ele sempre faz piadas maldosas sobre os outros.

He always makes mean jokes about others.

Frequency adverb 'sempre'.

A madrasta era a personagem mais maldosa do conto.

The stepmother was the meanest character in the tale.

Superlative 'mais maldosa'.

Aquele olhar maldoso denunciava seus planos.

That malicious look gave away his plans.

Verb 'denunciar' in the sense of 'reveal'.

Sua crítica, embora técnica, continha um tom maldoso.

Your criticism, though technical, contained a mean tone.

Concessive clause 'embora técnica'.

Havia uma certa satisfação maldosa em seu rosto.

There was a certain malicious satisfaction on his face.

Noun phrase 'satisfação maldosa'.

O autor utiliza um narrador maldoso para ironizar a sociedade.

The author uses a mean narrator to ironize society.

Literary analysis context.

Não se pode ignorar a natureza maldosa de tais políticas.

One cannot ignore the malicious nature of such policies.

Passive voice 'não se pode'.

A fofoca, por mais maldosa que fosse, espalhou-se rápido.

The gossip, as mean as it was, spread quickly.

Concessive structure 'por mais... que fosse'.

Ele possui uma inteligência maldosa, voltada para a manipulação.

He possesses a malicious intelligence, aimed at manipulation.

Describing a complex personality trait.

O riso maldoso ecoou pelo corredor vazio.

The malicious laughter echoed through the empty hallway.

Atmospheric description.

Seria maldoso da minha parte não avisá-lo do perigo.

It would be mean of me not to warn him of the danger.

Conditional mood 'seria'.

A obra destila um pessimismo maldoso sobre a condição humana.

The work distills a malicious pessimism about the human condition.

Metaphorical use of 'destilar' (to distill/exude).

Subjaz a esse discurso uma intenção maldosa de desinformar.

Underlying this discourse is a malicious intention to misinform.

Inverted sentence structure for emphasis.

O escrutínio público foi implacável e, por vezes, maldoso.

Public scrutiny was relentless and, at times, malicious.

High-level vocabulary like 'escrutínio' and 'implacável'.

Sua retórica maldosa visava apenas desestabilizar o oponente.

His malicious rhetoric aimed only at destabilizing the opponent.

Noun 'retórica' with the adjective.

A ironia maldosa é a marca registrada deste colunista.

Malicious irony is the trademark of this columnist.

Subject-complement structure.

O destino, em seu jogo maldoso, separou os dois amantes.

Fate, in its mean game, separated the two lovers.

Personification of 'destino'.

Não há nada mais maldoso do que a indiferença calculada.

There is nothing more mean than calculated indifference.

Comparative 'mais... do que'.

A trama maldosa urdida nas sombras finalmente veio à tona.

The malicious plot woven in the shadows finally came to light.

Participial phrase 'urdida nas sombras'.

자주 쓰는 조합

comentário maldoso

olhar maldoso

plano maldoso

riso maldoso

fofoca maldosa

intenção maldosa

língua maldosa

atitude maldosa

pensamento maldoso

crítica maldosa

자주 쓰는 구문

Não seja maldoso.

— A common command telling someone to stop being mean. Used frequently with children or friends.

Não seja maldoso com o seu irmão.

Que coisa maldosa!

— An exclamation used when someone says or does something mean. Expresses shock or disapproval.

Você disse isso para ela? Que coisa maldosa!

De forma maldosa.

— An adverbial phrase meaning 'in a mean way.' Used to describe how an action was performed.

Ele agiu de forma maldosa.

Um ser maldoso.

— A way to describe someone as inherently mean. Often used in stories or when someone is deeply disliked.

Ele é um ser maldoso e sem alma.

Brincadeira maldosa.

— A mean prank or joke that goes too far. Focuses on the harmful nature of the 'fun.'

Isso não foi engraçado, foi uma brincadeira maldosa.

Línguas maldosas dizem que...

— A common way to introduce a rumor or gossip. Similar to 'Rumor has it...' but more negative.

Línguas maldosas dizem que eles vão se separar.

Olhar maldoso.

— A look that suggests someone is thinking something mean or planning something bad.

Ela me deu um olhar maldoso quando eu entrei.

Coração maldoso.

— A way to describe someone's character as fundamentally mean. 'A mean heart.'

Ele tem um coração maldoso, não confie nele.

Gente maldosa.

— A general way to refer to mean people. Often used when complaining about society or the internet.

Tem muita gente maldosa no mundo.

Ato maldoso.

— A formal or semi-formal way to refer to a mean action. 'A mean act.'

Aquele foi um ato maldoso e injustificado.

자주 혼동되는 단어

maldoso vs mau

Mau is general 'bad.' Maldoso is specifically 'mean' or 'malicious.'

maldoso vs malvado

Malvado is more 'wicked' or 'evil,' often used in fantasy or for villains.

maldoso vs mal

Mal is the adverb 'badly' or the noun 'evil.' Maldoso is the adjective.

관용어 및 표현

"Ter a língua maldosa"

— To have a mean tongue; to be someone who gossips or says hurtful things about others constantly.

Ela tem a língua maldosa, vive falando mal de todo mundo.

Informal

"Pôr um olho maldoso"

— To look at something with bad intentions or jealousy. Similar to the 'evil eye.'

Ele pôs um olho maldoso no meu novo carro.

Colloquial

"Maldoso de pai e mãe"

— Used to describe someone who is mean through and through, as if it's in their heritage.

Aquele ali é maldoso de pai e mãe, não tem jeito.

Slang/Regional (Brazil)

"Fazer maldade"

— While 'maldade' is the noun, this idiom is used to describe doing something mean just for the sake of it.

As crianças estão lá fora fazendo maldade com os insetos.

Neutral

"Maldosa curiosidade"

— A curiosity that isn't innocent, but rather aimed at finding out something bad about someone.

Ele perguntou sobre o divórcio por pura maldosa curiosidade.

Neutral

"Rir com maldade"

— To laugh in a way that shows you are happy about someone else's trouble. A 'maldoso' laugh.

Ele riu com maldade quando eu caí.

Neutral

"Maldoso por natureza"

— Inherently mean; someone who was born mean and will never change.

Não tente ajudá-lo, ele é maldoso por natureza.

Neutral

"Espalhar a maldade"

— To spread rumors or negativity intentionally. To act as a 'maldoso' agent.

Ela adora espalhar a maldade pela repartição.

Informal

"Cair nas línguas maldosas"

— To become the subject of mean gossip or rumors.

Depois do escândalo, ele caiu nas línguas maldosas da cidade.

Informal

"Sem pingo de maldade"

— The opposite; without a drop of meanness. Often used to defend someone accused of being 'maldoso.'

Ele disse isso sem pingo de maldade, foi só um erro.

Informal

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maldoso vs Mau

Both translate to 'bad' in some contexts.

Mau is the opposite of 'bom' (good). Maldoso is the opposite of 'bondoso' (kind). You can be 'mau' at math, but you can't be 'maldoso' at math.

Ele é um mau motorista (bad driver). Ele é um homem maldoso (mean man).

maldoso vs Malvado

Very similar meanings.

Malvado sounds more like a fairytale villain (wicked). Maldoso is common for everyday meanness (mean/malicious).

O vilão malvado. O colega maldoso.

maldoso vs Ruim

General word for bad/mean.

Ruim is very broad. It can describe food, weather, or people. Maldoso is specific to malicious intent.

A comida está ruim. Ele foi maldoso comigo.

maldoso vs Severo

Sometimes harshness is mistaken for meanness.

Severo means strict or harsh but not necessarily with bad intent. Maldoso always implies a desire to hurt.

O pai foi severo, mas não maldoso.

maldoso vs Bravo

Angry people can act mean.

Bravo means angry. You can be bravo without being maldoso, and you can be maldoso while staying calm.

Ele está bravo hoje. Ele é maldoso por natureza.

문장 패턴

[Subject] + é + [maldoso/a]

Ele é maldoso.

Não seja + [maldoso/a] + com + [Person]

Não seja maldoso com ela.

[Noun] + [maldoso/a] + que + [Verb]

Um comentário maldoso que machucou.

Agiu de forma + [maldosa]

Ele agiu de forma maldosa.

Embora pareça + [maldoso/a], ...

Embora pareça maldoso, ele é legal.

Nada é mais + [maldoso] + do que + [Noun]

Nada é mais maldoso do que a mentira.

Any

Que + [Noun] + [maldoso/a]!

Que olhar maldoso!

Any

Um pouco + [maldoso/a]

Ele foi um pouco maldoso.

어휘 가족

명사

maldade (meanness/evil)

malvadez (wickedness)

malvado (villain)

동사

maldizer (to speak ill of)

maltratar (to mistreat)

형용사

maldoso

malvado

malévolo

사용법

frequency

Very high in daily speech, literature, and media.

자주 하는 실수

Using 'maldoso' for 'bad at something'. → Ele é mau em matemática.
Maldoso implies meanness, not lack of skill. Use 'mau' for skill levels.
Forgetting gender agreement. → Ela é maldosa.
Adjectives must match the gender of the subject/noun.
Pronouncing 's' as 's'. → /malˈdozu/
The 's' between vowels sounds like a 'z'.
Using 'maldoso' for inanimate objects without intent. → O tempo está mau.
Weather can't be 'mean' because it has no intentions. Use 'mau' or 'ruim'.
Confusing 'maldoso' (adj) with 'maldade' (noun). → Isso foi uma maldade.
You can't say 'Isso foi um maldoso' if you mean 'That was a mean act.' Use the noun.

팁

Gender Agreement

Always check the noun. If it's 'a pessoa,' use 'maldosa.' If it's 'o comentário,' use 'maldoso.' This is the #1 mistake for learners.

Nuance with 'Mau'

Don't use 'maldoso' for things that can't have intent. A 'maldoso dia' is wrong; use 'mau dia' (bad day).

Telenovela Villains

Watch Brazilian soaps to hear 'maldoso' in action. Villains are the perfect examples of this word's meaning.

The 'S' Sound

Remember: S between two vowels in Portuguese almost always sounds like a Z. It's 'mal-do-zo,' not 'mal-do-so.'

Adjective Position

Keep 'maldoso' after the noun for a natural sound. 'Um comentário maldoso' is much better than 'Um maldoso comentário.'

Softening the Blow

If you want to be less harsh, use 'meio maldoso' (a bit mean) or the diminutive 'maldosinho' (playfully mean).

Tone Matters

Pay attention to the speaker's tone. 'Maldoso' can be used jokingly between very close friends, though it's rare.

Word Family

Learn 'maldade' (the noun) alongside 'maldoso.' They are frequently used together.

Daily Observation

Try to spot 'maldoso' comments on social media and label them in your head to reinforce the word.

Root Recognition

Recognizing the 'mal-' root will help you understand dozens of other negative adjectives in Portuguese.

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기억법

Think of 'Mal' (the villain from Disney's Descendants) being 'Doso' (full of a 'dose' of meanness). A 'maldoso' person has a 'bad dose' of personality.

시각적 연상

Imagine a person with a 'devilish' grin whispering into someone's ear while pointing at a third person. That person is being 'maldoso.'

Word Web

mal maldade maldosamente mau malvado bondoso comentário olhar

챌린지

Try to identify one 'maldoso' character in a movie you've watched recently and describe one 'maldoso' action they took using the word in a sentence.

어원

Derived from the Portuguese word 'mal' (evil/bad), which comes from the Latin 'malum.' The suffix '-oso' comes from the Latin '-osus,' which means 'full of' or 'abounding in.'

원래 의미: Full of evil or badness.

Romance (Latin root)

문화적 맥락

While not a swear word, it is a direct insult to someone's character. Use it carefully in social settings as it can escalate a conflict.

The word 'maldoso' maps very closely to 'mean' in US English and 'nasty' or 'spiteful' in UK English. It is less intense than 'evil' but more intense than 'unkind.'

The stepmother in 'Cinderela' (A Madrasta Maldosa). Carminha, the famous villain from the telenovela 'Avenida Brasil.' The concept of 'Línguas Maldosas' in Portuguese fado music, often referring to neighbors gossiping.

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실제 사용 상황

Gossip and Social Life

Fofoca maldosa
Língua maldosa
Comentário maldoso
Gente maldosa

Storytelling (Movies/Books)

Vilão maldoso
Plano maldoso
Madrasta maldosa
Coração maldoso

Childhood and Education

Menino maldoso
Brincadeira maldosa
Não seja maldoso
Colega maldoso

Internet and Social Media

Hate maldoso
Postagem maldosa
Crítica maldosa
Ataque maldoso

Personal Relationships

Olhar maldoso
Riso maldoso
Atitude maldosa
Palavras maldosas

대화 시작하기

"Você já conheceu alguém realmente maldoso?"

"Por que você acha que as pessoas fazem comentários maldosos na internet?"

"Qual é o vilão mais maldoso de todos os tempos?"

"Você acha que as crianças podem ser maldosas por natureza?"

"Como você reage quando alguém é maldoso com você?"

일기 주제

Descreva uma situação em que alguém foi maldoso com você e como você se sentiu.

Escreva sobre um personagem de livro que é maldoso, mas interessante.

Você acha que é possível uma pessoa maldosa mudar de caráter? Por quê?

Reflita sobre a diferença entre ser 'mau' e ser 'maldoso' em sua própria vida.

Como podemos combater o comportamento maldoso nas redes sociais?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

It's moderately strong. It's stronger than 'chato' (annoying) but less intense than 'perverso' (perverse) or 'cruel'. It's equivalent to 'mean' in English. Calling someone 'maldoso' is a clear criticism of their behavior or character.

Yes, you can. 'Um cachorro maldoso' would be a mean dog that tries to bite without provocation. It attributes human-like intent to the animal, which is common in casual speech.

The feminine form is 'maldosa'. For example: 'Ela é uma pessoa maldosa' (She is a mean person). Always remember to match the gender of the noun you are describing.

You can say 'maldosamente' or 'de forma maldosa'. For example: 'Ele sorriu maldosamente' (He smiled meanly).

Yes, it is used in all Portuguese-speaking countries with the same meaning. The pronunciation of the 'l' might change (more like a 'w' in Brazil), but the usage remains constant.

Yes. 'O maldoso' means 'the mean person.' For example: 'O maldoso não tem amigos' (The mean person has no friends).

They are very similar. 'Maldoso' is more common for 'mean' behavior. 'Malicioso' is often used for 'malicious' intent in a more technical or sneaky sense, and can sometimes refer to 'naughty' or 'suggestive' humor.

Use 'Ele está sendo maldoso' for 'He is being mean' (temporary) and 'Ele é maldoso' for 'He is mean' (personality trait).

Usually, it describes people or actions. For a situation, you might use 'uma situação ruim' or 'uma situação cruel.' However, you could say 'um comentário maldoso na reunião' to describe a specific moment.

The most direct opposite is 'bondoso' (kind). Other opposites include 'amável' (lovely/kind) and 'gentil' (gentle/kind).

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