Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Devil in Spanish: Diablo
Diablo · noun (masculine) · dee-AH-bloh
The Spanish word for devil is 'diablo,' a well-known masculine noun that appears in religious teachings, folklore, and popular culture. It often refers specifically to Satan or the supreme evil figure. The word appears in many common expressions like 'pobre diablo' (poor devil) and '¿Qué diablos?' (What the devil?).
Pronounce it dee-AH-bloh, with stress on the second syllable. The 'bl' combination flows smoothly, and the word has three syllables total.
La película cuenta la historia de un hombre que hizo un pacto con el diablo.
The movie tells the story of a man who made a pact with the devil.
Devil in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for devil, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| diablo | devil | dee-AH-bloh | Default, widely understood |
| demonio | devil | sometimes used interchangeably | |
| Satanás | devil | specific religious reference to Satan |
How Native Speakers Use Diablo
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Expression of surprise
¿Qué diablos está pasando aquí?
What the devil is going on here?
Expressing shock or confusion.
Folklore
Según la leyenda, el diablo apareció en la encrucijada a medianoche.
According to legend, the devil appeared at the crossroads at midnight.
Telling a folktale.
Describing someone
Ese niño es un diablillo, no para de hacer travesuras.
That kid is a little devil, he never stops causing mischief.
Playfully describing a mischievous child.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Diablo
Confusing diablo and diablillo
Incorrect: Mi sobrino es un diablo.
Correct: Mi sobrino es un diablillo.
When affectionately calling a mischievous child a 'little devil,' use the diminutive 'diablillo.' Calling a child just 'diablo' sounds too harsh.
Capitalization error
Incorrect: El Diablo tentó al santo.
Correct: El diablo tentó al santo.
Unlike English, 'diablo' is not capitalized in Spanish unless it starts a sentence. Only the proper name 'Satanás' is capitalized.
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See Diablo used by native speakers
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Common Questions About Devil in Spanish
- What is the difference between diablo and Satanás?
- 'Diablo' is the common Spanish word for devil used in both casual and religious contexts, while 'Satanás' is the specific proper name for Satan, used primarily in religious texts and formal theological discussion.
- What does diablillo mean?
- The diminutive 'diablillo' means 'little devil' and is an affectionate term used to describe a mischievous child, similar to calling someone a 'little rascal' in English.
- Are there common Spanish idioms with diablo?
- Several popular idioms use 'diablo,' including '¡Qué diablos!' (What the heck!), 'pobre diablo' (poor wretch), and 'cuando el diablo no tiene qué hacer' (when idle hands cause trouble).