monstruo
“monstruo” means “monster” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
monster, beast
Also: hideous creature
📝 In Action
El monstruo marino tenía ojos rojos y dientes afilados.
A2The sea monster had red eyes and sharp teeth.
Pensaban que había un monstruo viviendo en el pantano.
B1They thought there was a monster living in the swamp.
genius, fiend
Also: whiz, brute
📝 In Action
No puedo creer lo que toca; es un monstruo del piano.
B2I can't believe what he plays; he is a genius on the piano.
Su jefe es un monstruo que obliga a sus empleados a trabajar 70 horas a la semana.
B2His boss is a brute who forces his employees to work 70 hours a week.
Nuestra defensa fue un monstruo en el partido de hoy.
C1Our defense was monstrously good in today's game. (meaning: incredibly strong)
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: monstruo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'monstruo' to mean someone exceptionally skilled?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'monstrum,' which originally meant 'omen,' 'divine warning,' or 'sign.' Over time, it came to refer to anything unnatural or deviating from the norm, thus leading to the modern meaning of a frightening creature.
First recorded: 13th century (in Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a female form, 'monstrua'?
Yes, 'monstrua' exists and is grammatically correct, but 'monstruo' is far more common and usually refers to both male and female monsters or creatures. 'Monstrua' is generally only used specifically to emphasize a female identity or in very formal/literal biological contexts.
Why is 'monstruo' used to mean both a scary creature and a genius?
The word is used metaphorically. In both cases, the person or thing is considered 'abnormal' or 'outside the ordinary.' If they are abnormal in skill (a 'prodigy'), it’s positive. If they are abnormal in morality (a 'fiend'), it’s negative.