In 15 Seconds
- Used when two people are not speaking after a fight.
- Commonly used with the preposition 'com' (with).
- Describes a temporary state of conflict or coldness.
Meaning
This phrase describes that awkward situation when you've had a fight with someone and you're currently not speaking or are on bad terms. It's the 'silent treatment' phase of a relationship or friendship.
Key Examples
3 of 6Explaining a fight with a friend
Eu e a Maria estamos de mal desde o sábado.
Maria and I have been on bad terms since Saturday.
Asking about two coworkers
Eles estão de mal? O clima está estranho.
Are they on bad terms? The vibe is strange.
Texting a sibling about parents
O pai e a mãe estão de mal de novo.
Dad and Mom are not speaking again.
Cultural Background
The phrase is deeply rooted in Brazilian childhood social dynamics, where children 'ficar de mal' as a formal declaration of a playground feud. It transitioned into adult life as a colorful, slightly dramatic way to describe any falling out, reflecting a culture that wears its emotions on its sleeve.
The Pinky Rule
In Brazil, children signify they are 'de mal' by hooking their pinky fingers and then pulling them apart. It's the official 'breakup' gesture!
Don't use 'Ser'
Never say 'Sou de mal'. Using 'ser' implies it's your permanent identity to be 'bad', which makes no sense here.
In 15 Seconds
- Used when two people are not speaking after a fight.
- Commonly used with the preposition 'com' (with).
- Describes a temporary state of conflict or coldness.
What It Means
Estar de mal is the ultimate way to describe a rift. It means you aren't talking to someone. It implies a state of active conflict or coldness. It isn't just a bad mood. It is a broken connection between two people.
How To Use It
You use it with the verb estar. You can say estou de mal com ele. It works for friends, partners, or even siblings. It is very common in daily life. You describe the current status of a relationship. It is like a temporary label for a fight.
When To Use It
Use it when someone asks why you aren't calling your best friend. Use it when two coworkers are avoiding each other. It fits perfectly in a text to a third party. Use it when you want to explain a social tension. It is great for venting about a recent argument.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for minor, passing annoyances. If you are just slightly annoyed, don't use this. Avoid it in high-level legal or diplomatic settings. It sounds a bit personal for a CEO's official statement. Don't use it for objects or machines. It is strictly for human (or pet!) relationships.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, social harmony is very important. Being de mal is a significant social state. It often starts in childhood. Kids will literally cross their pinky fingers to 'break' the friendship. As adults, the phrase remains. It captures the passionate nature of Lusophone relationships. We love deeply, but we also fight clearly.
Common Variations
The opposite is estar de bem. This means you have reconciled. You might also hear ficar de mal. This describes the moment the fight happens. Some regions might use cortar relações. However, estar de mal remains the most relatable version.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral-to-informal. It is most frequently used in personal relationships. In a professional setting, it might sound slightly childish if used to describe a serious corporate dispute.
The Pinky Rule
In Brazil, children signify they are 'de mal' by hooking their pinky fingers and then pulling them apart. It's the official 'breakup' gesture!
Don't use 'Ser'
Never say 'Sou de mal'. Using 'ser' implies it's your permanent identity to be 'bad', which makes no sense here.
The Reconciliation
When you make up, tell people 'Estamos de bem agora!' to let them know the tension has passed.
Examples
6Eu e a Maria estamos de mal desde o sábado.
Maria and I have been on bad terms since Saturday.
Shows the duration of the conflict.
Eles estão de mal? O clima está estranho.
Are they on bad terms? The vibe is strange.
Used to observe social tension in the office.
O pai e a mãe estão de mal de novo.
Dad and Mom are not speaking again.
Commonly used for family squabbles.
Até o cachorro está de mal de você!
Even the dog is on bad terms with you!
Hyperbole used for comedic effect.
Não quero que fiquemos de mal por causa disso.
I don't want us to be on bad terms because of this.
Expresses a desire to avoid a lasting conflict.
A vizinha está de mal com todo mundo da rua.
The neighbor is on bad terms with everyone on the street.
Describes a general state of social isolation.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence to say you are not speaking with your brother.
Eu ___ de mal com o meu irmão.
We use the verb 'estar' because being on bad terms is considered a temporary state, not a permanent personality trait.
What is the opposite of being 'de mal'?
Nós já fizemos as pazes, agora estamos de ___.
'Estar de bem' is the direct antonym, meaning you have reconciled and are friendly again.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Estar de mal'
Too structured for pure slang.
N/A
Perfect for friends and family.
Tô de mal com ela.
Use 'não estamos nos falando' instead.
Não estamos em termos amigáveis.
When to use 'Estar de mal'
Family Feud
Siblings not sharing toys.
Romantic Spat
Couples giving the silent treatment.
Office Drama
Coworkers avoiding the coffee machine.
Childhood
Pinky-promise breakups.
Practice Bank
2 exercisesEu ___ de mal com o meu irmão.
We use the verb 'estar' because being on bad terms is considered a temporary state, not a permanent personality trait.
Nós já fizemos as pazes, agora estamos de ___.
'Estar de bem' is the direct antonym, meaning you have reconciled and are friendly again.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all! It's a very common way to describe a conflict, though it is informal. You can use it with friends without sounding rude.
Yes, but it usually implies a state of 'not talking' rather than the legal end of a marriage. For a breakup, terminar is more common.
You should use com. For example: Estou de mal com meu chefe (I'm on bad terms with my boss).
Yes, it is understood in Portugal, though they might also use estar zangado com (to be angry with) more frequently in similar contexts.
Absolutely. You can say Eles estão de mal to mean a whole group is fighting amongst themselves.
You say ficar de bem or fazer as pazes. For example: Fizemos as pazes e não estamos mais de mal.
Not quite. Estar bravo means you are angry, but estar de mal means the relationship is currently frozen or fractured.
It's a bit too informal for a formal email. Instead, use há um desentendimento (there is a misunderstanding).
No, it's primarily used as an idiomatic state with the verb estar or ficar.
Only metaphorically and humorously, like Estou de mal com o meu computador when it crashes.
Related Phrases
estar de bem
fazer as pazes
cortar relações
dar um gelo
pisar em ovos
