دیو
dēw/ˈdeːw/
The Persian word for devil is دیو (dēw), or its religious equivalents. Wiktionary also lists اِبْلِیس (iblīs) and شَیْطَان (šaytān).
Meaning: evil creature (noun)
Ways to say it
| Persian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| دیو | dēw | /ˈdeːw/ (Classical Persian) |
| اِبْلِیس | iblīs | |
| شَیْطَان | šaytān | |
| اِبْلیس | eblis | |
| شِیْطان | šeytân |
Depending on the context, the word for devil changes between mythological, secular and religious meanings. دیو is often used to describe mythological demons or can metaphorically describe a person who is exceptionally strong, fierce or a 'monster' in a non-religious sense. For theological or religious contexts, specifically referring to Satan, the words اِبْلِیس or شَیْطَان are used.
Which one should you use?
In contrast, اِبْلِیس and شَیْطَان are used specifically for the religious concept of the Devil or Satan within an Islamic or theological context. Related forms like اَهْریمَن, شَیْطَان and شِیْطان can also be used to refer to the chief devil.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of دیو is /ˈdeːw/ (dēw).
Did you know?
- While دیو refers to a monster, calling someone a شَیْطَان can sometimes be a playful way to describe a mischievous or cunning child.
- In ancient Iranian religion, the دیو were originally gods who were later demonized and transformed into evil spirits.
- The word دیو shares a distant linguistic ancestor with the English word 'deity'.
Examples in context
- In Islamic mythology, there are many legends and stories about شیطان (sheytan), the devil.In Islamic mythology, there are many legends and stories about the devil.
- آن دیو در داستان بسیار ترسناک است.ān div dar dāstān besyār tarsnāk ast.That devil in the story is very scary.
- در افسانه‌های قدیمی، یک دیو بزرگ وجود داشت.dar afsānehāye qadimī, yek div-e bozorg vojud dāsht.In old legends, there was a large devil.
- او مثل یک دیو قدرتمند بود.u mesle yek div-e qodratmand bud.He was like a powerful devil.
Example conversation
Reza and Sara are discussing a fantasy book.
- رضا Rezaاین کتاب درباره یک دیو است.In ketab darbareye yek div ast.This book is about a devil.
- سارا Saraآیا او بدجنس است؟Aya oo badjens ast?Is he mean?
- رضا Rezaبله، او یک دیو شرور است.Bale, oo yek div-e sharur ast.Yes, he is an evil devil.
- سارا Saraخیلی جالب به نظر می‌رسد.Kheyli jaleb be nazar mi-resad.That sounds very interesting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “devil” translations and entries دیو, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries دیو, CC BY-SA 4.0.
