infierno
/inˈfjeɾno/masculine
The English phrase 'hell' is translated into Spanish as infierno.
infierno is a masculine noun that refers to the theological abode for the condemned. It can also be used to describe a place of suffering in life or a chaotic, extremely unpleasant or difficult situation in daily life when used as the colloquial phrase un infierno.
Meaning: abode for the condemned (name)
Which one should you use?
While infierno refers specifically to the theological place, other words are used when 'hell' is used as an exclamation. For example, carajo!, mierda! and diablos! are common interjections used to express frustration or anger, similar to how English speakers use 'hell' as an exclamation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, la chingada may be used to mean hell.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
infierno is a masculine noun that follows standard masculine noun rules. Its plural form is infiernos.
How do you pronounce it?
/inˈfjeɾno/
Did you know?
- Because infierno is rooted in the concept of 'the lower depths', it shares a conceptual history with words describing things that are subterranean or deep underground.
- Spanish speakers can use the adjective infernal to describe something, much like the English 'hellish', but it is frequently used to describe heat or smells rather than just evil.
- The word infierno shares a root with the English word 'inferno'. Both derive from the Latin īnfernum.
Examples in context
- ¿Cómo es el infierno?What is hell like?This sentence is useful for asking about the nature of the theological place using infierno.Tatoeba #1624771 by marcelostockle, translation #1624855 by marcelostockle
- ¡Te veo en el infierno!See you in hell!This sentence is useful for expressing the phrase 'See you in hell!' using infierno.Tatoeba #1408455 by marcelostockle, translation #1125521 by Scott
- Te veré en el infierno.See you in hell.Tatoeba #1469540 by marcelostockle, translation #1110802 by Scott
- Ellos creían que el fuego eterno era el castigo por sus pecados en el infierno.They believed that eternal fire was the punishment for their sins in hell.
- ¡Vete al carajo!Go to hell!
- Esto está yendo al carajo.This is going to hell.
- ¡Demonios! No puedo creer que haya pasado eso.Hell! I can't believe that happened.
- ¡Qué diablos estás haciendo!What the hell are you doing?
- 52 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are discussing a horror movie they just watched.
- MateoEl villano terminó en el infierno.The villain ended up in hell.
- ElenaEs el lugar que se merece.It is the place he deserves.
- Mateo¿Crees que el infierno es real?Do you think hell is real?
- ElenaNo lo sé, Mateo, es un misterio.I don't know, Mateo, it is a mystery.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hell” translations and entries infierno, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries infierno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
