diablito
/djaˈblito/masculine
The English phrase "hand truck" is translated into Spanish as diablito. Wiktionary also lists troco and carretilla de mano sin cajón.
Meaning: box-moving handcart (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| diablito | /djaˈblito/ | masculine |
| troco | /tɾoko/ (from spelling rules) | Honduras, masculine |
| carretilla de mano sin cajón | /karetiʝa de mano sin kaxon/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
In many Spanish-speaking countries, it is common to refer to this tool using the term diablito.
What does it mean word for word?
The word diablito is a diminutive of diablo, which means "little devil".
Which one should you use?
While carretilla can sometimes be used in certain contexts to mean a hand truck, it most commonly refers to a wheelbarrow that has a tray or bucket. To be specific about a hand truck without a tray, one can use the phrase carretilla de mano sin cajón.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
diablito is the most common informal way to refer to a hand truck in many Spanish-speaking countries.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Honduras, the word troco is used to refer to a hand truck.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun diablito becomes diablitos in the plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/djaˈblito/
Did you know?
- In some regions, the term troco for a hand truck is a loanword from the English word 'truck'.
- The word carretilla comes from the Latin 'carrus', which was the word for a two-wheeled Celtic chariot.
- While diablito means 'little devil', the term is used without any religious or sinister connotation in a warehouse or store.
Examples in context
- Podría necesitar una carretilla de mano para transportar las cajas pesadas.I might need a hand truck to carry the heavy boxes.
- Ayúdame a mover este mueble pesado usando una carretilla manual.Help me move this heavy furniture using a hand truck.
- Necesito un diablito para estas cajas.I need a hand truck for these boxes.
- El diablito está en el pasillo.The hand truck is in the aisle.
- Ten cuidado con el diablito.Be careful with the hand truck.
Example conversation
In a warehouse, Elena asks Javier for help moving supplies.
- Elena¿Puedes traer el diablito, Javier?Can you bring the hand truck, Javier?
- JavierSí, lo voy a buscar ahora.Yes, I am going to look for it now.
- ElenaGracias, hay mucho peso aquí.Thanks, there is a lot of weight here.
- JavierNo te preocupes, ya voy.Don't worry, I'm coming.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hand truck” translations and entries diablito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cajón, carretilla, de, diablito, mano, sin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
