dios
/ˈdjos/masculine
The Spanish word for God is dios.
dios is a masculine noun used to refer to a deity. When referring to the single deity of monotheistic religions, the word is used as a proper name, Dios. Other ways to refer to the divine include Dios Padre (God the Father), Dios Hijo (God the Son, referring to Jesus Christ) and the pronouns Él (He) or Ella (She).
Meaning: deity (noun)
Which one should you use?
The capitalization of the word changes its meaning: the lowercase dios refers to any deity or a God in a polytheistic context, while the capitalized Dios refers specifically to the single deity of monotheistic religions.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of dios is dioses.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdjos/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When referring to the specific monotheistic God, ensure you capitalize the word as Dios. Using the lowercase dios in this context changes the meaning from a proper name to a common noun.
When do people say it?
The interjection ¡Dios mío! is a common way to express surprise, shock or dismay, similar to the English 'My God!' or 'Oh my God!'
Did you know?
- The Spanish word dios is a distant relative of the English word 'sky', as both originate from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to shine' or 'the bright heaven'.
Examples in context
- No creo en Dios.I don't believe in God.This sentence shows how to express a lack of belief in Dios.Tatoeba #651386 by Shishir, translation #506536 by Zifre
- ¿Qué es un dios?What is a god?This sentence asks for a definition of a dios.Tatoeba #1334162 by Shishir, translation #1284782 by Vortarulo
- Se cree un dios.He thinks he's a god.This sentence describes someone who considers themselves a dios.Tatoeba #12349726 by arh, translation #13017223 by rul
- Creo en DiosI believe in God
- Alabado sea el SeñorPraised be the Lord
- Dios todopoderosoAlmighty God
- Gracias, Diosito, por tu bondadThank you, dear God, for your kindness
- Bendiciones del CreadorBlessings from the Creator
- Creo en ÉlI believe in Him
- Me encomiendo a Dios PadreI entrust myself to God the Father
- 555 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are discussing ancient history at a museum.
- AlejandroEse es un dios muy antiguo.That is a very ancient god.
- Sofía¿Qué dios es ese, Alejandro?Which god is that, Alejandro?
- AlejandroEs un dios de la guerra.It is a god of war.
- SofíaParece un dios muy poderoso.He looks like a very powerful god.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “God” translations and entries dios, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dios, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
