diabo
/d͡ʒiˈa.bu/masculine
The English word "devil" is translated into Portuguese as diabo.
diabo is a masculine noun used to refer to an evil creature. In a colloquial sense, it can also be used to describe someone who is very mischievous.
Meaning: evil creature (noun)
Which one should you use?
While diabo is the standard term, you may encounter Diabo, Satã or Satanás when specifically referring to the name of the chief devil.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term capeta is a slang version of "devil".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions of Brazil, the word tinhoso is used to refer to the devil.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /dʒiˈa.bu/.
Did you know?
- In certain Brazilian folk traditions, the devil is sometimes personified through nicknames like coisa (thing), which avoids using the name 'diabo' to prevent bad luck.
- The Portuguese word diabo is a doublet of the word diábolo, which is the term for the spinning toy known in English as a 'diabolo'.
- The word diabo is used in the idiom está um diabo de calor to describe weather that is oppressively and intensely hot.
Examples in context
- Tom é o diabo.Tom is the devil.This sentence shows how to use diabo to identify a person.Tatoeba #1517946 by alexmarcelo, translation #1517938 by Spamster
- Deus criou o diabo.God created the devil.This sentence demonstrates the use of diabo in a religious context.Tatoeba #6163569 by carlosalberto, translation #6163570 by carlosalberto
- O diabo é um esquilo.The devil is a squirrel.This sentence shows how diabo can be used in a humorous way.Tatoeba #2500583 by alexmarcelo, translation #2498208 by Hybrid
- Acredita-se que o demônio é o ser maligno que tenta as pessoas a cometer atos imorais.It is believed that the devil is the evil being that tries to make people commit immoral acts.
- Aquele garoto é um verdadeiro capeta!That boy is a real devil!
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felipe and Camila are discussing a classic horror movie.
- FelipeO diabo era o vilão do filme.The devil was the villain of the movie.
- CamilaEle parecia muito assustador.He looked very scary.
- FelipeSim, o diabo assustou todo mundo.Yes, the devil scared everyone.
- CamilaEu não consegui nem olhar.I couldn't even look.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “devil” translations and entries diabo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries diabo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
