duende
/ˈdwende/masculine
In Spanish, 'goblin' is translated as duende. Wiktionary also lists trasgo.
Meaning: hostile diminutive humanoid in fantasy literature (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| duende | /ˈdwende/ | masculine |
| trasgo | /ˈtɾasɡo/ | masculine |
The word duende is the most common term for a goblin, but it acts as a broad term that can also refer to elves, sprites or any small, mischievous supernatural being. Idiomatically, the phrase tener duende is used to describe someone, often an artist, who possesses an inexplicable soul, charm or magical quality.
Which one should you use?
While duende is a general term for various small supernatural beings, trasgo is used specifically in fantasy literature to denote a more grotesque or mischievous goblin-like creature or an imp.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Yucatan region of Mexico, Alux refers to a mythical creature that shares similarities with a goblin.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both duende and trasgo are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdwende/
Did you know?
- The word duende originally comes from the Old Spanish phrase duen de casa, which meant 'master of the house'.
- In the context of Flamenco music and dance, having duende refers to a heightened state of emotion and authentic artistic expression rather than a supernatural creature.
Examples in context
- ¡Cuidado con los "trasgos" esta noche, son traviesos!Watch out for the "trasgos" tonight, they are mischievous!
- El duende es muy rápido.The goblin is very fast.
- Ese duende es muy peligroso.That goblin is very dangerous.
- Los guerreros luchan contra el duende.The warriors fight against the goblin.
Example conversation
Two friends are playing a fantasy tabletop game.
- Alejandro¡Mira! Un duende aparece en el camino.Look! A goblin appears on the path.
- ElenaTengo miedo, Elena atacará primero.I'm scared, Elena will attack first.
- AlejandroEl duende es demasiado rápido para ti.The goblin is too fast for you.
- ElenaEntonces usaremos magia para vencerlo.Then we will use magic to defeat it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “goblin” translations and entries duende, trasgo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries duende, trasgo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
