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How to Say "fiends" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “fiends” is “diablos” — use 'diablos' when referring to people who are exceptionally wicked or cruel, often with an implication of being almost demonic or supernatural in their evil. It's commonly used in contexts involving a stark contrast between good and evil..

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diablos

/DYA-blohs//ˈdja.blos/

nounB2general
Use 'diablos' when referring to people who are exceptionally wicked or cruel, often with an implication of being almost demonic or supernatural in their evil. It's commonly used in contexts involving a stark contrast between good and evil.
Two simplified, cartoonish figures of red devils, complete with horns, pitchforks, and pointed tails, standing side-by-side.

Examples

La película trata sobre una lucha entre ángeles y diablos.

The movie is about a fight between angels and devils.

En el carnaval, muchas personas se disfrazan de diablos.

At the carnival, many people dress up as devils.

Según la leyenda, los diablos viven en el infierno.

According to the legend, devils live in hell.

Plural of 'diablo'

This is simply the plural form of 'diablo' (devil). Like most Spanish nouns ending in a vowel, you just add an '-s' to make it plural.

monstruos

mohn-STROH-ohs/ˈmons.tɾwos/

nounB1general
Choose 'monstruos' to describe people who are extremely cruel and wicked, emphasizing their lack of empathy or humanity, akin to a 'monster' in their actions.
A simple storybook illustration of a menacing figure with a dark, wicked expression standing alone on a dark, slightly shadowed hill.

Examples

Esos criminales son unos monstruos, no tienen corazón.

Those criminals are fiends; they have no heart.

Los monstruos de la guerra causaron un daño irreparable.

The monsters of war caused irreparable damage.

Figurative Use

This meaning uses the idea of a physical monster to describe someone's terrible character or actions. It's a very strong insult.

Diablos vs. Monstruos

Learners often confuse 'diablos' and 'monstruos' because both mean wicked people. The key difference is that 'diablos' leans towards a more supernatural or extreme evil, while 'monstruos' focuses on extreme cruelty and inhumanity. If you're describing someone as a 'monster' due to their cruel actions, 'monstruos' is usually a better fit.

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