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How to Say "devil" in Spanish

English → Spanish

diablo

DEE-ah-bloh/ˈdja.βlo/

NounB1General
Use 'diablo' when referring to the ultimate personification of evil, Satan, or the devil as a singular, supreme antagonist.
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

deh-MOH-nee-oh/deˈmonjo/

NounB1General
Use 'demonio' for a supernatural being that is evil or a fallen angel, typically one of many such entities, rather than the chief evil figure.
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 vs. Demonio

Learners often confuse 'diablo' and 'demonio'. Remember that 'diablo' is almost always used for the supreme being of evil (Satan), while 'demonio' is a more general term for any evil spirit or demon.

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