A1 Idiom 中性

Tener mala cara

To look ill

意思

To appear unhealthy or unwell.

🌍

文化背景

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.

意思

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.

自我测试

Choose the correct verb to complete the sentence about someone looking sick.

Juan ______ mala cara hoy. Creo que tiene fiebre.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: tiene

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.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: mala

'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.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: Pone mala cara

'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.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: Tienes mala cara

This is the standard way to comment on someone looking tired in a conversation.

🎉 得分: /4

视觉学习工具

Tener vs. Poner Mala Cara

Tener Mala Cara
Health Sick/Tired
State Involuntary
Poner Mala Cara
Attitude Angry/Annoyed
Action Voluntary

When to say 'Tienes mala cara'

🤒

Illness

  • Flu
  • Fever
  • Stomach ache
😴

Fatigue

  • No sleep
  • Long work day
  • Jet lag
🍷

Recovery

  • Hangover
  • Dehydration

练习题库

4 练习
Choose the correct verb to complete the sentence about someone looking sick. Choose A1

Juan ______ mala cara hoy. Creo que tiene fiebre.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: tiene

We use 'tener' for the idiom 'tener mala cara' to describe looking unwell.

Fill in the missing adjective. Remember gender agreement! Fill Blank A1

María no ha dormido nada y tiene ______ cara.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: mala

'Cara' is a feminine singular noun, so the adjective must be 'mala.'

Match the phrase to the correct situation. situation_matching A2

Situation: Your friend is scowling because they are angry at you.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: Pone mala cara

'Poner mala cara' refers to making a face due to an emotion like anger or annoyance.

Complete the dialogue naturally. dialogue_completion A1

A: ¿Qué te pasa? ______. B: No he dormido bien por el ruido.

✓ 正确! ✗ 不太对。 正确答案: Tienes mala cara

This is the standard way to comment on someone looking tired in a conversation.

🎉 得分: /4

常见问题

10 个问题

No, 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.

相关表达

🔗

tener buena cara

contrast

To look healthy and well.

🔗

poner mala cara

similar

To scowl or look annoyed.

🔗

tener mala pinta

similar

To look bad or suspicious.

🔗

cara de pocos amigos

specialized form

To look very unfriendly or angry.

🔗

no tener cara

contrast

To have no shame.

有帮助吗?
还没有评论。成为第一个分享想法的人!