malas
malás with stress marks
bad luck; misfortune; to gaze
Also means
When stressed on the first syllable as 'málas', it refers to the act of gazing or staring intently at something.
Usage Note
Malas is one of the most commonly used words for bad luck in everyday Filipino speech, used to commiserate with someone who has suffered misfortune. Superstitious beliefs around malas shape many folk practices involving omens, and the word spans both casual sympathy and deeper cultural anxiety about fate.
Examples
" Sobrang malas ko kahapon. "
Natural Translation
I was so unlucky yesterday.
Literal Translation
Very bad-luck my yesterday.
" Malas siya ngayon. "
Natural Translation
He/She has bad luck today.
Literal Translation
Bad luck he/she today.
" Naniniwala ang lola ko na malas daw kung mauuna sa hagdan ang anak bago ang magulang sa bagong bahay. "
Natural Translation
My grandmother believes it's bad luck if the child goes up the stairs before the parents in a new house.
Literal Translation
Believes the grandma my that bad-luck reportedly if go-first on-the stairs the child before the parent in new house.
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