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demonio

deh-MOH-nee-oh/deˈmonjo/

“demonio” means “demon” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

demon, devil

Also: fiend
NounmB1
A simple storybook illustration of a stylized red demon with small horns and a pointy tail, representing an evil spirit.

📝 In Action

En la historia, el caballero luchó contra un demonio que custodiaba el castillo.

B1

In the story, the knight fought against a demon that guarded the castle.

La figura del demonio es central en muchas religiones antiguas.

B2

The figure of the devil is central in many ancient religions.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • diablo (devil)
  • espíritu maligno (evil spirit)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • echar un demonio – to exorcise a demon

little devil, force/dynamo

Also: genius
NounmB2informal
A storybook illustration showing a young child with a wide, mischievous smile and bright eyes, playfully hiding a toy behind their back.

📝 In Action

Mi hijo es un demonio, siempre está saltando sobre los muebles.

A2

My son is a little devil; he is always jumping on the furniture.

Trabaja como un demonio para terminar el proyecto a tiempo.

B2

He works like a demon (very hard) to finish the project on time.

¡Qué coche tan rápido! Va como un demonio.

C1

What a fast car! It goes like a bat out of hell (very fast).

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • travieso (naughty (adjective))
  • energúmeno (wild or frantic person)

Common Collocations

  • ser un demonio – to be very mischievous/energetic

Idioms & Expressions

  • ¿Qué demonios...? – What the heck/hell...?
  • Ir como un demonio – To go extremely fast (like a bat out of hell).

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "demonio" in Spanish:

demon→devil→fiend→genius→little devil→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: demonio

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'demonio' to describe exceptional speed or energy, not an evil spirit?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
demoníaco(demonic) — Adjective
endemoniado(possessed; frenzied) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes from the Latin 'daemonium,' which itself is derived from the ancient Greek 'daimōn.' Originally, 'daimōn' referred to a neutral 'divine power' or 'spirit.' However, through early Christian texts, it took on its modern negative meaning of an evil spirit.

First recorded: Historically recognized in Spanish texts from the early Medieval period, reflecting Latin influence.

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: demónioItalian: demoneFrench: démon

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'demonio' have a feminine form, like 'demonia'?

No. Even if the evil spirit is female, the word itself is always masculine: 'el demonio.' You should never use 'demonia' in standard Spanish.

Is 'demonio' a very strong swear word?

While it relates to the devil, 'demonio' itself is not typically considered a severe curse word. However, using it in phrases like '¿Qué demonios...?' is informal and can be slightly rude or exasperated, similar to saying 'What the heck?' or 'What the hell?'