diable
/djabl/masculine
The English phrase 'devil' is translated into French as diable.
diable is the standard noun used to refer to an evil creature. It is used in religious contexts, particularly within Catholicism.
Meaning: evil creature (noun)
Which one should you use?
While diable is the common noun used in general descriptions and various idioms, Satan or Diable (capitalized) is used to refer specifically to the personified figure of evil in formal or religious contexts. For a more poetic or informal touch, you can use Le Malin, which means 'the cunning one'. Additionally, the diminutive diablotin is used to describe a small, mischievous creature or a naughty child.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
diable is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/djabl/
Did you know?
- In French, a diable is also the name for a hand truck or a two-wheeled dolly used to move heavy boxes.
- In traditional French folklore, the diable is often depicted not as a monster, but as a sophisticated lawyer or trickster who uses contracts to trap souls.
- The phrase faire le diable avec les dents literally translates to 'to do the devil with the teeth', used to describe someone acting very restlessly or making a huge fuss.
Examples in context
- Va au Diable !To the devil with you!This sentence shows how to use diable in an angry exclamation.Tatoeba #3218975 by sacredceltic, translation #448192 by rul
- Que diable fais-tu ?What the devil are you doing?This sentence demonstrates using diable to express frustration in a question.Tatoeba #460692 by sacredceltic, translation #27518 by CK
- En parlant du diable.Speak of the devil.This sentence illustrates the idiom 'speak of the devil' using diable.Tatoeba #538384 by sacredceltic, translation #536128 by darinmex
- Le diable est souvent représenté avec des cornes et une queue.The devil is often depicted with horns and a tail.
- J'ai l'impression que le diable me suit partout.I feel like the devil is following me everywhere.
- 45 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Emma are discussing a scary movie.
- GabrielLe diable est vraiment terrifiant dans ce film.The devil is really terrifying in this movie.
- EmmaOui, il a un regard très sombre.Yes, he has a very dark look.
- GabrielJe crois que le diable gagne à la fin.I think the devil wins at the end.
- EmmaJ'espère que Gabriel a raison et qu'il perd.I hope Gabriel is right and that he loses.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “devil” translations and entries diable, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
