شيطان
šaytānmasculine
The English word "devil" translates to Pashto as شيطان (šaytān). Wiktionary also lists ابليس (eblis).
Meaning: evil creature (noun)
Ways to say it
| Pashto | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| شيطان | šaytān | masculine |
| ابليس | eblis | masculine |
The term is used to refer to an evil creature.
Which one should you use?
While both forms mean devil, شيطان is the more common and general term for a devil or an evil spirit. In contrast, ابليس is a specific proper name for the devil in Islamic theology.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both forms are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
šaytān
Did you know?
- The word شيطان is frequently used as a playful or mild scolding for a mischievous child, similar to calling a child 'a little rascal' in English.
- In some Pashto folk tales, the 'devil' is not always depicted as purely evil but is sometimes a trickster who can be outsmarted by human wit.
- The concept of the 'devil' in Pashto culture is often tied to the idea of 'fitna', which refers to chaos or social disorder caused by evil.
Examples in context
- شيطان ډېر بد دی.shaytan der bad day.The devil is very bad.
Example conversation
Two people are discussing a scary story.
- احمد Ahmedدا کیسه د شيطان په اړه ده.Da kissa da shaitan pa ara da.This story is about the devil.
- زالا Zalaایا دا کیسه رښتیا ده، احمد؟Aya da kissa rishtiya da, Ahmad?Is this story true, Ahmad?
- احمد Ahmedنه، دا یوازې یو افسانه ده.Na, da yawaze yo afsana da.No, it is just a legend.
- زالا Zalaزه داسې کیسې نه خوښوم، زالا.Za dase kisay na khwashawum, Zala.I don't like such stories, Zala.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “devil” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
