demone
/ˈdɛ.mo.ne/masculine
The English phrase "demon" can be translated into Italian as demone or demonio.
Meaning: evil being (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| demone | /ˈdɛ.mo.ne/ | masculine |
| demonio | /deˈmɔ.njo/ | masculine |
Both words refer to an evil being. However, if you want to express surprise or frustration, you might use the word diavolo (devil) instead.
Which one should you use?
While both mean demon, demone is often used in a more literary, philosophical or abstract sense. In contrast, demonio is the standard, more frequent term used in everyday speech and religious contexts to refer to a malevolent entity.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of demone is demoni.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈdɛ.mo.ne/. It has three syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
When do people say it?
To refer to mischievous or troublemaking characters in a lighthearted or comical way, you can use the term satanasso.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the phrase fare il diavolo a quattro means to cause a huge scene or create a great deal of chaos, literally 'to make the devil into four'.
- The Italian word demonio is derived from the Greek word daimónion, which was originally a diminutive form of daímōn, meaning a 'god' or 'divine power'.
- If an Italian says someone is a demone della cucina, they are calling them a 'demon of the kitchen', meaning they are an incredibly skilled or obsessive cook.
Examples in context
- Lui è un demone.He's a demon.This sentence is useful for identifying someone as a demone.Tatoeba #5069780 by Guybrush88, translation #5069224 by al_ex_an_der
- Lui è un demonio.He is a demon.This sentence is useful for identifying someone as a demonio.Tatoeba #5069783 by Guybrush88, translation #5069678 by alexcasper
- Il demone è morto.The demon is dead.This sentence is useful for describing the death of a demone.Tatoeba #6385508 by dnnywld, translation #3762148 by Hybrid
- Il demone era temuto dagli antichi Romani.The demon was feared by the ancient Romans.
- Quel diavolo non smette mai di combinare guai!That demon never stops causing trouble!
- Ho visto un diavolaccio nel mio sogno e mi ha spaventato.I saw a big demon in my dream, and it scared me.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Matteo are discussing a horror movie they just watched.
- MartinaQuel demone nel film era davvero terrificante.That demon in the movie was really terrifying.
- MatteoSì, non riuscivo a guardare lo schermo.Yes, I couldn't look at the screen.
- MartinaCredi che un demone possa esistere davvero?Do you believe a demon can actually exist?
- MatteoNo, è solo una storia per spaventarci.No, it is just a story to scare us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “demon” translations and entries demone, demonio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries demone, demonio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
