How to Say “Devil” in Tongan

By Nathaniel Paul • Updated September 30, 2026

tēvolo

The English word "devil" is tēvolo in Tongan.

tēvolo is a noun used to refer to an evil creature.

Meaning: evil creature (noun)

Did you know?

In traditional Tongan beliefs before the arrival of Christianity, there was no single equivalent to the Western 'devil' or a personified embodiment of all evil.
In some contexts, calling someone a tēvolo is considered a severe social transgression and an extreme insult compared to English usage.
The word tēvolo is a loanword from the English 'devil', which was introduced to Tonga by Christian missionaries in the 19th century.

Examples in context

Ko e tēvolo ia.
That is the devil.

Example conversation

Ana and Viliami are discussing a scary story.

Ana

Naʻa ke ngaiue faka-tēvolo koe.
You acted like a devil.
Viliami

ʻOku ʻikai koe tēvolo au, Ana.
I am not a devil, Ana.
Ana

Ko e tēvolo pē maʻa koe.
You are just a devil.
Viliami

Koeu ʻikai faka-tēvolo.
I am not being devilish.

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About The Author

Nathaniel Paul

Mālō e lelei! I'm Nathaniel, a lover of the Tongan language and a passionate writer with a knack for breaking down linguistic barriers. I also enjoy cycling around the 'ālaina(pej (island) and exploring Tonga's rich culture. When I'm not doing that, you can find me strumming my ukulele or garnishing my posts with flavoursome Tongan phrases. My ultimate joy is sharing helpful guides, tips and examples on how to speak the beautiful language of Tonga. Alongside Tongan, I have fallen for Niuean, so I now share guides on saying everyday words in Niuean too. Fakamolemole, come follow my journey to become fluent in Tongan!

Nathaniel PaulHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.

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