Spanish Conversation · Level 124
60 words
Spanish word
maldecir
Pronunciation
IPA/maldeˈθiɾ/
Meaning
- verbinsult
Example
¿Por qué me maldijiste?
Why did you insult me?
More examples
La gente empezó a maldecir al traidor.
The people began to insult the traitor.
Core concept
A person uttering a curse that wishes harm on someone.
Common phrases
maldecir a alguien
insult someone
maldecir en voz alta
insult out loud
Similar words
insultar: Uses contemptuous words to show scorn or belittlement.
ofender: Says something that wounds someone's feelings or causes emotional hurt.
injuriar: Speaks insulting words that attack someone's honor or reputation.
blasfemar: Utters irreverent or profane speech about God or sacred things.
Definition in Spanish
Decir maldiciones o insultos a alguien, mostrando desprecio o deseando que le pase algo malo.
Word origin
From Latin maledicere (male 'badly' + dicere 'to say'), via Old Romance into Spanish maldecir, originally meaning 'to speak ill of' and now 'to curse or insult someone'.
Usage tips
- Maldecir often implies wishing harm and so is stronger than insultar, while insultar or decir groserías are used for ordinary verbal insults.