malbaratar (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

The word "malbaratar" is a verb.

Phonetic Transcription

Phonetic transcription: /mal.ba.ɾaˈtaɾ/

Translation Options into English

• to squander
• to waste
• to sell at an undervalue

Meaning and Usage

"Malbaratar" means to sell something at a price that is far below its actual value or to misuse resources, resulting in a loss. It conveys a negative connotation regarding financial decisions or the management of valuables. The word is primarily used in written contexts, often in discussions of economics, finance, and resource management. Its frequency of use can be more common in formal discussions than in everyday conversation.

Example Sentences

1. No deberíamos malbaratar nuestros recursos naturales.
   We shouldn't squander our natural resources.

2. Ella decidió malbaratar la herencia que recibió.
   She decided to waste the inheritance she received.

3. El empresario malbarató su inversión por falta de experiencia.
   The businessman squandered his investment due to lack of experience.

Idiomatic Expressions

"Malbaratar" is not commonly used in many idiomatic expressions. However, it can be part of discussions related to financial management, investment strategies, and resource allocation. Here are a few sentences incorporating the concept:

1. Si malbaratamos el dinero, nunca podremos invertir en algo útil.
   If we squander our money, we will never be able to invest in something useful.

2. Es un error malbaratar oportunidades que podrían ser beneficiosas en el futuro.
   It is a mistake to waste opportunities that could be beneficial in the future.

3. Malbaratar el tiempo pasando horas en redes sociales no nos llevará a ningún lado.
   Wasting time spending hours on social media won't get us anywhere.

4. No malbarates tus talentos; utilízalos para crecer y aprender.
   Don’t squander your talents; use them to grow and learn.

Etymology

"Malbaratar" is derived from the Spanish prefix "mal-", meaning "bad" or "wrong," combined with "baratar," which means "to barter" or "to sell cheaply." Thus, "malbaratar" conveys the idea of selling something poorly or inaccurately.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms:
- Despilfarrar (to squander)
- Derrochar (to waste)
- Vender mal (to sell poorly)

Antonyms:
- Valorar (to value)
- Aprovechar (to take advantage of)
- Rentabilizar (to make profitable)