mal trato
Lemma Details
Translation: mistreatment; abuse; ill-treatment; maltreatment
Part of Speech: noun
Etymology: Compound noun formed from 'mal' (bad, ill) and 'trato' (treatment, dealing). 'Mal' derives from Latin 'malus' (bad, evil), while 'trato' comes from the verb 'tratar' (to treat, to deal with), which originated from Latin 'tractare' (to handle, manage). The English cognates 'maltreatment' and 'ill-treatment' follow the same semantic construction.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 80%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El mal trato hacia los animales está prohibido por la ley.
Mistreatment of animals is prohibited by law.
Denunció el mal trato que recibía de su jefe.
She reported the mistreatment she received from her boss.
Los malos tratos en el hogar son un problema social grave.
Domestic abuse is a serious social problem.
Mnemonics
- 'Mal' sounds like 'malicious' in English, which helps remember it means 'bad treatment'
- Think of 'mal trato' as 'mal' (bad) + 'trato' (treatment) = bad treatment
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking countries, 'mal trato' is often discussed in contexts of domestic violence, child protection, and human rights. Many countries have implemented specific laws against 'malos tratos' in various contexts, including family environments, workplaces, and institutional settings.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Mal trato' (two words) and 'maltrato' (one word) are essentially synonyms in modern Spanish, though 'maltrato' is more commonly used in formal contexts and legal terminology. 'Mal trato' emphasizes the separate components of the phrase.
Confused word:
El maltrato infantil es un delito grave en muchos países.
Child abuse is a serious crime in many countries.
Notes: In many Spanish-speaking regions, these terms are used interchangeably, though 'maltrato' is becoming the standard form in official documents and legislation.
Mnemonic: Think of 'mal trato' as more descriptive (bad treatment) and 'maltrato' as the technical term for abuse.
Explanation: 'Mal trato' means mistreatment or abuse, while 'mal rato' means 'bad time' or 'unpleasant moment'.
This word:
El mal trato hacia los animales es inaceptable.
The mistreatment of animals is unacceptable.
Confused word:
Pasé un mal rato cuando me perdí en la ciudad.
I had a bad time when I got lost in the city.
Notes: The pronunciation is very similar, so context is important to distinguish between these phrases.
Mnemonic: 'Trato' relates to treatment, while 'rato' relates to time or a moment.