Ways to say it
| Polish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| diabeł | /ˈdja.bɛw/ /ˈdjɒ.bɛɫ/ (Middle, Polish) |
masculine |
| bies | /ˈbjɛs/ | masculine |
| czart | /ˈt͡ʂart/ | masculine |
| czort | /ˈt͡ʂɔrt/ | masculine |
| ciort | [ˈt͡ɕɔrt] (narrow) | masculine |
| kaduk | /ˈka.duk/ | archaic, masculine |
| licho | /ˈli.xɔ/ | neuter |
| kusy | /ˈku.sɘ/ | masculine |
The term refers to an evil creature. While the most common word is diabeł, the adjective diabelski (devilish) is also frequently used to describe something that is extremely bad, intense or mischievous, such as having a diabelski temperament.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the specific type of entity or context. Diabeł is the general word for a devil, whereas szatan is used specifically to refer to the personification of evil (Satan) in a religious context. To refer to an abstract personification of bad luck or a mischievous evil spirit, you may use the neuter noun licho. Other masculine forms include bies, czart, czort, ciort and the archaic kaduk, as well as kusy.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Most forms, including diabeł, bies, czart, czort, ciort, kaduk and kusy, are masculine nouns. In contrast, licho is a neuter noun. The adjective diabelski is derived from the noun diabeł.
How do you pronounce it?
The word diabeł is pronounced as /ˈdja.bɛw/. It consists of two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In Polish folklore, a diabeł is often depicted as a comical, clumsy figure who can be outsmarted by a clever peasant, rather than a purely terrifying monster.
- The word diabeł is a distant relative of the English word 'through', stemming from the Ancient Greek diá, meaning 'across' or 'through'.
- The term kusy is a specific type of devil associated with temptation, stemming from the Polish verb kusić, meaning 'to tempt'.
Examples in context
- Diabeł tkwi w szczegółach.The devil is in the details.This sentence shows how the word diabeł is used in a common proverb regarding details.Tatoeba #1603812 by zipangu, translation #1603805 by Spamster
- Gdzie diabeł czuje się jak u siebie?Where does the devil feel at home?This sentence uses diabeł to ask where an entity feels at home.Tatoeba #3764626 by Siganiv, translation #3764463 by Eldad
- Im więcej diabeł ma, tym więcej chce.The more the devil has, the more he wants.This sentence illustrates a descriptive use of diabeł regarding desire.Tatoeba #2691331 by Hikaru, translation #2108734 by MethodGT
- W malarstwie renesansowym często przedstawiano diabła jako postać z rogami i ogonem.In Renaissance painting, the devil was often portrayed as a figure with horns and a tail.
- Legenda głosi, że diabeł kusił Jana zmysłowymi przyjemnościami.Legend has it that the devil tempted John with sensory pleasures.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Krzysztof and Anna are discussing a horror movie.
- KrzysztofTen diabeł w filmie był naprawdę przerażający.That devil in the movie was really terrifying.
- AnnaZgadzam się, miał bardzo straszny wygląd.I agree, he had a very scary look.
- KrzysztofMyślisz, że diabeł istnieje naprawdę?Do you think the devil really exists?
- AnnaNie wiem, ale wolę o tym nie myśleć.I don't know, but I prefer not to think about it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “devil” translations and entries diabeł, bies, czart, czort, ciort, kaduk, licho, kusy, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bies, czart, czort, diabeł, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
