bestia
/BES-tyah/
beast
In its most literal sense, bestia means 'beast' or 'animal'.
📝 In Action
El león es una bestia imponente en la sabana.
A2The lion is an imposing beast on the savanna.
Tuvimos que mover la valla para que pasara la bestia.
B1We had to move the fence so the large animal could pass.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
Even when referring to a male animal (like a bull or a male lion), 'bestia' is always a feminine noun ('la bestia').
⭐ Usage Tips
Domestic Animals
While technically correct, 'bestia' is usually reserved for wild or very large animals. For common domestic animals, use their specific names (perro, gato, caballo).
When describing a foolish or stupid person, bestia translates to 'idiot'.
📝 In Action
No puedes dejarlo solo con los niños, ¡es una bestia!
B1You can't leave him alone with the children, he's a brute!
Se comportó como una bestia en la cena, sin modales.
B2He behaved like an idiot/savage at dinner, with no manners.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Gender Confusion
Mistake: "Usar 'un bestio' para un hombre."
Correction: The word is always 'una bestia' (feminine), even when referring to a man who is acting like a brute or an idiot.
Surprisingly, bestia can also be used ironically to mean 'genius' or someone exceptionally skilled.
📝 In Action
Ese guitarrista es una bestia, toca increíblemente rápido.
C1That guitarist is a monster/genius, he plays incredibly fast.
Ganó el campeonato de ajedrez otra vez, es una bestia de la estrategia.
C2He won the chess championship again, he is a strategic genius.
⭐ Usage Tips
Positive Context Clues
When 'bestia' is used with words like 'increíble' (incredible) or 'genio' (genius), it emphasizes extreme skill rather than stupidity. Always check the surrounding words to know if it's an insult or a high compliment.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: bestia
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'bestia' is used in the sentence: 'Mi hermano es una bestia en matemáticas, siempre saca dieces.'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'bestia' usually a positive or a negative word?
It can be both! Its most common use refers to an animal (neutral). When applied to a person, it usually means 'idiot' or 'brute' (negative). However, in modern slang, especially in sports, it can be a high compliment meaning 'genius' or 'monster' (positive).
Can I use 'bestia' to refer to a piece of machinery or equipment?
Yes, informally. You might hear people describe a huge or powerful machine, like a truck or computer, as 'una bestia' to emphasize its size or raw power.