Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| demonio | /deˈmonjo/ | |
| shapshico | /sabsiko/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| mengue | /menɡe/ (from spelling rules) | colloquial, masculine |
| demonche | /deˈmont͡ʃe/ | colloquial, euphemistic, masculine |
| demontre | /deˈmontɾe/ | colloquial, euphemistic, masculine |
| diantre | /ˈdjantɾe/ | colloquial, euphemistic, masculine |
| dianche | /djant͡ʃe/ (from spelling rules) | colloquial, euphemistic, masculine |
The primary term for an evil being is demonio. While this refers to a literal evil being, it can also be used metaphorically to describe a person who is extremely mischievous or difficult. For a more general sense of demons, you may use diablo. If you are referring to a small, troublesome demon, the informal term trasto is used, whereas duende can refer to mischievous spirits or demons in a playful sense.
Which one should you use?
The term demonio is the standard noun for an evil being. Several other forms exist as colloquial variations: mengue, demonche, demontre, diantre and dianche are all used colloquially. Specifically, demonche and demontre are euphemistic forms used to avoid the intensity of the word demonio, while diantre is a mild, euphemistic exclamation derived from demonio, similar to saying 'the devil' in a non-offensive way.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
demonio is the standard form. mengue, demonche, demontre, diantre and dianche are colloquial. demonche and demontre are specifically euphemistic, used to avoid sounding profane or too intense. diantre is a mild, non-offensive exclamation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of demonio is demonios.
How do you pronounce it?
/deˈmonjo/
Did you know?
- The word demonio is actually a distant relative of the Greek word for a 'divine power' or 'god', rather than a purely evil being.
- Calling a child a demonio in a playful tone is a common way to describe a high-energy child, whereas calling an adult one is usually a serious critique of their character.
- Spanish speakers often use diantre as a euphemism to express frustration without mentioning the devil, similar to how English speakers might say 'darn' instead of 'damn'.
Examples in context
- Él es un demonio.He's a demon.This sentence demonstrates how to use demonio to describe a person.Tatoeba #5069229 by cueyayotl, translation #5069224 by al_ex_an_der
- Tom es un demonio.Tom is a demon.Tatoeba #10031519 by manufrutos, translation #10028619 by shekitten
- El demonio está muerto.The demon is dead.This sentence demonstrates the use of the definite article with demonio.Tatoeba #3762248 by marcelostockle, translation #3762148 by Hybrid
- El exorcista estaba luchando contra el demonioThe exorcist was battling the demon
- El niño tenía pesadillas con diablos y monstruosThe child had nightmares with demons and monsters
- Mi hermano menor es un verdadero trastoMy younger brother is a real demon
- El exorcista luchó valientemente contra el poderoso demonio que poseía a la joven.The exorcist bravely fought against the powerful demon that possessed the young girl.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are discussing a horror movie they just watched.
- Alejandro¿Viste la cara del demonio en la película?Did you see the face of the demon in the movie?
- LucíaSí, era un demonio muy aterrador.Yes, it was a very terrifying demon.
- AlejandroMe dio mucho miedo ese personaje.That character scared me a lot.
- LucíaA mí también, fue una escena espantosa.Me too, it was a terrifying scene.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “demon” translations and entries demonio, demonche, demontre, diantre, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries demonche, demonio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
