bestia
“bestia” means “beast” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
beast, large animal
Also: creature
📝 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.
idiot, brute
Also: fool
📝 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.
genius, monster
📝 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.
Vocabulary Collections
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✏️ 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
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin word *bēstia*, which meant 'wild animal' or 'beast.' Its figurative meanings developed later, extending the idea of an animal's lack of reason (idiot) or raw, untamed power (genius).
First recorded: Documented in Spanish texts since the 13th century.
Cognates (Related words)
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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.