Ways to say it
| Swedish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| djävul | common gender | |
| jävel | /ˈjɛːˌvɛl/ | common gender |
Djävul refers to an evil creature. In slang, the word fan is also used to refer to the devil and can be used to express frustration, irritation or disagreement.
Which one should you use?
While djävul refers to the theological entity, jävel is a common swear word used to describe a person or a thing. When referring specifically to the devil as a character in stories, movies or folklore, the form Djävulen is used.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Jävel is an informal term frequently used as a colloquial insult meaning "bastard" or "jerk", or even as an intensifier.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form jäveln is the definite singular form of jävel and is often used when referring to a specific person or thing in a derogatory way. Both djävul and jävel are common-gender nouns.
When do people say it?
When discussing the devil as a specific character, names like Satan, Djävulen or Hin håle may be used.
Did you know?
- The phrase Hin håle is a traditional euphemism for the devil. It literally translates to 'the hollow one' and was used to avoid saying the devil's name to prevent attracting his attention.
- While jävel is usually an insult, it can be used as a high compliment. Calling someone a jävla geni (a 'devil' of a genius) means they are exceptionally skilled.
- The English word 'devil' and the Swedish djävul share the same distant ancestor in the Greek word diábolos, which means 'accuser'.
Examples in context
- Djävulen är en egoist.The devil is an egoist.This sentence is useful for using the form djävul in a sentence about an egoist.Tatoeba #6779970 by SilasNordgren, translation #6779012 by Adelpa
- Djävulen är en ekorre.The devil is a squirrel.This sentence is useful for using the form djävul in a sentence about a squirrel.Tatoeba #9587020 by morbrorper, translation #2498208 by Hybrid
- Jäveln är död.The devil is dead.This sentence is useful for using the form jävel in a sentence about someone being dead.Tatoeba #9825348 by morbrorper, translation #8800467 by shekitten
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Alice are watching a classic horror movie.
- LucasTitta, där är en djävul i filmen!Look, there is a devil in the movie!
- AliceDen ser verkligen läskig ut.It looks really scary.
- LucasJa, den djävulen är ond.Yes, that devil is evil.
- AliceJag vill inte se mer.I don't want to see any more.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “devil” translations and entries djävul, jävel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries djävul, jävel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
