Inklingo

How to Say "fiend" in Spanish

English → Spanish

diablo

DEE-ah-bloh/ˈdja.βlo/

NounB1General
Use 'diablo' when referring to the ultimate evil being, often personified as Satan, or a general evil spirit.
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/

NounB1Literary
Use 'demonio' for a supernatural evil entity, often one of Satan's followers, or in a more literary context for a fiend.
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'.

monstruo

MOHN-stroh/'monstɾwo/

NounB2General
Use 'monstruo' metaphorically to describe a person who is extremely wicked, cruel, or exceptionally skilled (in a way that inspires awe, like a 'fiend' for a musical instrument).
A young, intensely focused musician expertly playing a complex piece on a violin on a simple stage, illustrating prodigious skill.

Examples

No puedo creer lo que toca; es un monstruo del piano.

I 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.

His boss is a brute who forces his employees to work 70 hours a week.

Nuestra defensa fue un monstruo en el partido de hoy.

Our defense was monstrously good in today's game. (meaning: incredibly strong)

Using 'de'

When praising someone's skill, 'monstruo' is often followed by 'de' plus the activity: 'monstruo del ajedrez' (chess whiz).

Positive/Negative Context

Mistake: “Applying this meaning without clear context, confusing the listener whether you mean 'incredibly talented' or 'incredibly cruel.'”

Correction: Always pair it with a description of their action or field ('monstruo de la música,' 'monstruo de la avaricia') to clarify if you mean good or bad.

Confusing Supernatural vs. Human 'Fiends'

Learners often confuse 'demonio' and 'diablo' when referring to supernatural beings. 'Diablo' is typically the primary name for the Devil, while 'demonio' refers more broadly to demons or evil spirits. Also, be careful not to use these for a person described as a 'fiend' – 'monstruo' is the correct choice for that metaphorical sense.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.