Ways to say it
| Russian | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| чёрт | čort | [t͡ɕɵrt] (narrow) | masculine |
| дья́вол | dʹjávol | masculine | |
| бес | bes | [bʲes] (narrow) | masculine |
| сатана́ | sataná | masculine | |
| шайта́н | šajtán | Muslim, masculine |
The term for devil in Russian varies depending on whether you are referring to a generic demon, a specific theological entity or using the word in common idioms and exclamations. For example, the phrase Чёрт возьми! is a common, mildly profane exclamation used to express frustration, similar to "Damn it!" in English. Another idiom, Чёрт с тобой!, is used to express reluctant agreement or to say "Fine, forget it" when someone is being stubborn.
Which one should you use?
Russian speakers choose different words based on the context: чёрт is the most common word used in everyday exclamations and folk expressions, often referring to a generic demon or imp. In contrast, дьявол is the specific theological term for the personification of evil (the Devil). Бес often refers to a lesser demon or an imp and is frequently used in Russian literature to describe a specific malevolent spirit or a person's inner turmoil. Сатана is a formal name for the devil derived from the Latin word Satan.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Чёрт is an informal term. Дьявол and Сатана are formal terms.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Шайтан is used specifically within the context of Islamic or Turkic-influenced cultures in Russia to refer to the devil.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
All provided forms are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
čort
Did you know?
- Calling someone a бесёнок (a diminutive of бес) describes a playful or naughty child, similar to calling them an 'imp'.
- In Russian folklore, a чёрт is often depicted not as a grand ruler of hell, but as a mischievous, trickster-like figure who can be outsmarted by humans.
- In Russian, you can say чёртовщина to describe a situation that is chaotic, nonsensical, or strangely difficult to explain.
Examples in context
- Чёрт бы его побрал!Let the devil take him!This sentence shows how чёрт is used in a curse or expression of frustration.Tatoeba #1674908 by marafon, translation #1347891 by Manfredo
- Чёрт прячется в мелочах.The devil is in the details.This sentence uses чёрт in a common idiomatic way regarding small details.Tatoeba #4811405 by Balamax, translation #1603805 by Spamster
- Чёрт бы вас всех побрал!The devil take you all!This sentence uses чёрт in an idiomatic exclamation.Tatoeba #10180697 by marafon, translation #6002830 by CannedBread
- Фёдор – настоящий дьявол!Fyodor is a real devil!
- Эта задача просто адская, это лютый кошмар!This task is simply devilish, it's a real nightmare!
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dmitry and Ekaterina are watching a classic horror movie together.
- Дмитрий DmitryЭтот чёрт появился из ниоткуда!Etot chort poyavilsya iz niotkuda!This devil appeared out of nowhere!
- Екатерина EkaterinaОн выглядит очень страшным.On vyglyadit ochen strashnym.He looks very scary.
- Дмитрий DmitryНастоящий чёрт в этом фильме.Nastoyashchiy chort v etom filme.A real devil in this movie.
- Екатерина EkaterinaЗакрой глаза, Дмитрий.Zakroy glaza, Dmitriy.Close your eyes, Dmitry.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “devil” translations and entries чёрт, бес, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
