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How to Say "demon" in Spanish

English → Spanish

demonio

deh-MOH-nee-oh/deˈmonjo/

nounB1general
Use 'demonio' when referring to a general evil spirit, a monstrous entity, or a metaphorical representation of evil, often in fantasy or religious contexts.
A simple storybook illustration of a stylized red demon with small horns and a pointy tail, representing an evil spirit.

Examples

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

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

La figura del demonio es central en muchas religiones antiguas.

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

Masculine Noun Rule

Even though 'demonio' ends in '-o', remember that the word refers to both male and female demons, but the word itself is always masculine: 'el demonio'.

diablo

DEE-ah-bloh/ˈdja.βlo/

nounB1general
Use 'diablo' primarily when referring to the Devil as a specific, named entity in religious contexts, or in common idiomatic expressions about bad luck or mischief.
A simplistic cartoon-like depiction of a red devil with horns, a pointed tail, and a pitchfork.

Examples

Dicen que el diablo tiene muchos nombres.

They say the devil has many names.

Pintaron al diablo con cuernos y cola.

They painted the devil with horns and a tail.

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).

Demonio vs. Diablo

Learners often confuse 'demonio' and 'diablo'. While both refer to evil spirits, 'diablo' is more specifically used for the Devil as a proper noun, whereas 'demonio' is a more general term for any evil spirit or monster.

Related Translations

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