demônio
/deˈmõ.ni.u/masculine
The English word "demon" is translated to Portuguese as demônio. Wiktionary also lists demónio.
Meaning: evil being (noun)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| demônio | /deˈmõ.ni.u/ (Brazil) /deˈmõ.nju/ (Brazil) |
masculine |
| demónio | /dɨˈmɔ.ni.u/ (Portugal) /dɨˈmɔ.nju/ (Portugal) |
masculine |
A demônio is an evil being. Like in English, this word can be used metaphorically to describe a person with a wicked nature or an overwhelming internal struggle, such as addiction or anxiety.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the standard spelling is demônio. In Portugal, the standard spelling is demónio.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of demônio is demônios.
How do you pronounce it?
/deˈmõ.ni.u/. The word has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- While English speakers use 'demon' to describe intense internal struggles, a Portuguese speaker might use demônio to describe someone who is exceptionally talented or energetic, similar to calling someone a 'whiz' or a 'live wire'.
- The Portuguese word demónio shares its roots with the Ancient Greek word daimónion, which actually referred to a lesser divine power or a guiding spirit rather than an evil entity.
- Because of the religious weight of the word, using demônio in a heated argument in Portugal or Brazil can be seen as much more aggressive and provocative than using 'demon' in a casual English conversation.
Examples in context
- Tom invocou um demônio.Tom summoned a demon.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use demônio with the verb for summoning.Tatoeba #11047940 by bill, translation #11039781 by Ergulis
- Ela é um demônio poderoso.She's a powerful demon.This sentence shows how demônio can be used to describe a person.Tatoeba #1849037 by alexmarcelo, translation #1848703 by Spamster
- A ansiedade é o pior demônio da vida.Anxiety is the worst demon in life.This sentence demonstrates the metaphorical use of demônio to describe an internal struggle.Tatoeba #5816143 by ajdavidl, translation #3732809 by CK
- No filme, o protagonista luta contra um demônio terrível.In the movie, the protagonist fights against a terrible demon.
- O João estava se comportando de forma estranha, parecia possuído por algum bicho.João was behaving strangely, it seemed like he was possessed by some demon.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Beatriz and Rodrigo are discussing a horror movie they just watched.
- BeatrizVocê viu aquele demônio no filme?Did you see that demon in the movie?
- RodrigoSim, o demônio era muito assustador.Yes, the demon was very scary.
- BeatrizEu não gosto de filmes assim.I don't like movies like that.
- RodrigoEu também prefiro filmes de comédia.I also prefer comedy movies.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “demon” translations and entries demônio, demónio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries demónio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
