diablo
/DEE-ah-bloh/
devil
The literal translation of diablo is 'devil' or Satan, the main figure of evil.
📝 In Action
Dicen que el diablo tiene muchos nombres.
B1They say the devil has many names.
Pintaron al diablo con cuernos y cola.
A2They painted the devil with horns and a tail.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun
Even though it refers to a being with immense power, 'diablo' is always a masculine noun and uses the article 'el' (el diablo).
⭐ Usage Tips
Capitalization
When referring to the proper name of the figure (Satan), it is sometimes capitalized: 'El Diablo.' In general use, it is lowercased.
Diablo can also be used to refer to a mischievous person or a 'rascal.'
diablo(Noun)
rascal
?Mischievous person
,rogue
?Clever, sometimes dishonest person
little devil
?Naughty child (often affectionate)
📝 In Action
Ese niño es un diablo, siempre está haciendo travesuras.
B2That kid is a rascal; he’s always getting into mischief.
Tienes que ser un diablo en los negocios para tener éxito.
C1You have to be a rogue (clever operator) in business to succeed.
💡 Grammar Points
Using the Feminine
To refer to a mischievous woman or girl, the word is often changed to 'diabla' (la diabla), although 'diablo' can sometimes refer to either gender contextually.
⭐ Usage Tips
Affectionate Insult
When used for children, 'diablo' is usually an affectionate way of saying they are hyperactive or clever, not truly evil.
When used as an interjection, diablo is equivalent to saying 'hell' for emphasis or surprise (e.g., 'What the hell?').
diablo(Interjection / Adverbial Phrase)
hell
?Used for emphasis or surprise (e.g., What the hell?)
,heck
?Softer equivalent for emphasis
blazes
?As an intensive exclamation
📝 In Action
¿Qué diablo estás haciendo aquí?
B2What the heck are you doing here?
¡Vete al diablo!
C1Go to hell!
No sé cómo diablos lo hizo tan rápido.
C1I don't know how the devil he did it so quickly.
💡 Grammar Points
Question Intensifier
When 'diablo(s)' is placed inside a question (like 'quién,' 'qué,' 'cómo'), it adds emphasis and shows frustration or surprise, much like 'the heck' or 'the hell' in English.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Overusing the Literal Meaning
Mistake: "A literal translation of 'Manda al diablo' to 'He sends the devil' instead of the intended meaning."
Correction: In context, realize this is an idiom for dismissal: 'He tells them to get lost.'
⭐ Usage Tips
Plural Usage
Sometimes the plural 'demonios' is used instead of 'diablo' in exclamations, especially in Spain, to convey the same frustration or intensity.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: diablo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'diablo' in an affectionate, non-religious way?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'diablo' considered a vulgar or bad word?
When used in exclamations like '¡Qué diablo!' or 'Vete al diablo,' it is very informal and potentially offensive in polite company, similar to using 'hell' or 'damn' in English. When referring to the religious figure, it is neutral.
What is the difference between 'diablo' and 'demonio'?
'Diablo' (The Devil/Satan) usually refers to the chief figure of evil. 'Demonio' (demon) refers to any lower-ranking evil spirit. They are often interchangeable in informal exclamations, though.