Inklingo

How to Say "beasts" in Spanish

English → Spanish

animales

/ah-nee-MAH-les//aniˈmales/

nounA1general
Use 'animales' for a general, neutral term referring to any kind of animal, from pets to wildlife, without implying size, danger, or ferocity.
A colorful illustration showing a group of diverse animals, including a friendly lion, a large gray elephant, and a colorful parrot perched on a branch, standing together in a grassy landscape.

Examples

En el zoológico vimos muchos animales exóticos.

In the zoo, we saw many exotic animals.

Los animales domésticos necesitan mucho cuidado y amor.

Domestic animals need a lot of care and love.

El comportamiento de los animales marinos es fascinante.

The behavior of marine animals is fascinating.

Masculine Plural Rule

Even though 'animales' refers to creatures regardless of sex, the word itself is always treated as masculine in Spanish. You use 'los' (the) or masculine adjectives like 'muchos' (many) with it.

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “Las animales viven en el bosque.”

Correction: Los animales viven en el bosque. (Remember to use the masculine plural 'los'.)

bestias

/BESS-tyahss//ˈbestjas/

nounA2general
Choose 'bestias' when referring to large, wild, or fearsome creatures, or figuratively for someone exceptionally skilled at something.
A powerful, large mythical creature with thick fur and horns standing in a forest.

Examples

Las bestias salvajes se refugiaron en la cueva.

The wild beasts took shelter in the cave.

Cargaron la leña sobre las bestias.

They loaded the firewood onto the pack animals.

Ustedes son unas bestias jugando al fútbol.

You guys are beasts at playing soccer.

Mis hermanos son unas bestias con las matemáticas.

My brothers are absolute beasts at math.

Always Feminine

Even though it refers to animals, this word is always feminine ('las bestias'), no matter the gender of the animals themselves.

Slang Structure

Typically used with the verb 'ser' (to be) to give someone a high compliment.

Gender Trap

Mistake: “los bestias”

Correction: las bestias (even if you are talking about male animals or men, the word remains feminine).

monstruos

mohn-STROH-ohs/ˈmons.tɾwos/

nounA2general
Use 'monstruos' specifically for frightening, large, or dangerous animals, especially those that are fictional or imaginary, like those in movies or stories.
A colorful illustration showing three different cartoonish monsters, one green, one purple, and one blue, standing happily in a grassy field.

Examples

Los niños se asustaron con los monstruos de la película.

The children got scared by the monsters in the movie.

En la mitología griega hay muchos monstruos marinos.

In Greek mythology there are many sea monsters.

Plural Form

This word is the masculine plural form of 'monstruo'. Since it ends in a vowel, you just add '-s' to make it plural.

General Animals vs. Fearsome Creatures

The most common mistake is using 'bestias' or 'monstruos' when you simply mean any animal. Remember that 'animales' is the all-encompassing, neutral term; only use the others if you intend to emphasize danger, size, or a figurative meaning of extreme skill.

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