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maligno means malignant — a common term in Medical Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: September 16, 2025

🩺 Medical Spanish

maligno

adjective • /[mah-LEEG-noh]/

malignant

Example:

El tumor resulta maligno según patología.

Pathology reports the tumor is malignant.

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🧠 What does maligno mean?

In a medical context, 'maligno' translates to 'malignant' and describes a cancerous tumor that is likely to grow and spread, potentially causing death. It's used to differentiate serious, life-threatening cancers from benign tumors, which are generally not harmful. Outside of medicine, 'maligno' can also mean 'evil' or 'malicious,' but this usage is less common in modern Spanish, especially when talking about health.

📚 Extra examples

  • El doctor confirmó que el tumor era maligno.
    The doctor confirmed that the tumor was malignant.
  • Afortunadamente, el bulto resultó ser benigno, no maligno.
    Fortunately, the lump turned out to be benign, not malignant.
  • Ella tenía un melanoma maligno en la espalda.
    She had a malignant melanoma on her back.
  • (Non-medical) Tenía una mirada maligna.
    (Non-medical) He had a malignant look.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'malignant' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'malignant' is 'maligno'.
How do you pronounce 'maligno' in Spanish?
It's pronounced mah-LEEG-noh. The stress is on the second syllable.
How do you use 'maligno' in a sentence?
Here are a couple of examples: 'El doctor dijo que el tumor era maligno.' (The doctor said the tumor was malignant.) or 'Le diagnosticaron un cáncer maligno.' (They diagnosed him/her with a malignant cancer).
What is the English translation of 'maligno'?
In a medical context, 'maligno' translates to 'malignant.' It can also mean 'evil' or 'malicious' in other situations, but this usage is less common.
Does 'maligno' change for gender or number?
Yes, 'maligno' changes to agree with the noun it modifies. For example, 'tumor maligno' (masculine singular), 'célula maligna' (feminine singular), 'tumores malignos' (masculine plural), 'células malignas' (feminine plural).
Is 'maligno' common in everyday Spanish?
While not an everyday word, 'maligno' is commonly understood, especially in the context of health discussions. It's important to use it accurately due to its serious meaning.
Does 'maligno' have slang or double meanings?
While its primary meaning is medical, 'maligno' can also mean 'evil' or 'harmful' in a more general sense. This isn't slang, but a less frequently used meaning.
Is 'maligno' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the meaning and usage of 'maligno' are consistent across Spain and Latin America.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "maligno"

Synonyms: canceroso, malévolo (non-medical)
Opposites: benigno

💡 Did You Know?

The opposite of 'maligno' is 'benigno,' meaning benign. This distinction is crucial for understanding the severity of a medical diagnosis.

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