mal

/mal/

noun★Intermediate

formal

evil, wrongdoing, or harm

Le mal est partout.

Evil is everywhere.

🏥Medicine

informal

ailment or illness

J'ai un petit mal de tête.

I have a slight headache.

Collocations

maladiediseasemaladesick

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

faire du malphrase

to harm

mal à l'aisephrase

uncomfortable

💡Pro Tip

Context is key

The meaning of 'mal' heavily depends on the context in which it is used.

📖Word Origin

From Old French 'mal', from Latin 'malus', meaning 'bad' or 'evil'.

📝Usage Notes

Be careful with the different meanings of 'mal' in French, as it can refer to both abstract concepts like evil and concrete issues like health problems.

✎ Noted on May 2, 2026FR → EN