Italian · Adjectives
cattivo
bad / naughty
Beginneradjective
Definition
Of poor quality or a low standard; morally wrong.
Example
Il bambino è stato cattivo oggi.
The child was naughty today.
Etymology
'Cattivo' comes from the Latin 'captivus,' which translates to 'prisoner' or 'captivated.' Its connotation shifted over time to imply something morally wrong or undesirable.
How & Where It’s Used
'Cattivo' is primarily used in informal contexts, mainly in spoken language, though it can appear in literature. The term is understood across different regions in Italy.