राक्षस
rākṣas/ɾɑːk.ʂəs/masculine
The English word monster is राक्षस (rākṣas) in Hindi. Wiktionary also lists देव (dev) and दानव (dānav).
Meaning: terrifying dangerous creature (noun)
Ways to say it
| Hindi | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| राक्षस | rākṣas | /ɾɑːk.ʂəs/ (Hindi, Standard) | masculine |
| देव | dev | /d̪eːʋ/ (Hindi, Standard) | masculine |
| दानव | dānav | masculine |
The term refers to a terrifying or dangerous creature.
Which one should you use?
While राक्षस is the common word for a monster, दानव is a more formal or literary term often used in mythology.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form राक्षस changes to राक्षसों when it is followed by a postposition, such as ko.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced as rākṣas (/ɾɑːk.ʂəs/). It has 2 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use देव to mean monster. It actually means 'deity' or 'god' and is the opposite of a monster.
Did you know?
- The word for 'god', देव, shares an ancient root with the Persian word for 'demon', دیو, showing how the same word can mean the exact opposite in different cultures.
- Calling someone a राक्षस in a modern context can be used metaphorically to describe a person with an insatiable or gluttonous appetite, rather than a literal monster.
- In Indian mythology, राक्षस are not just monsters but a distinct species with the magical ability to change their shape and appearance at will.
Examples in context
- मैं एक राक्षस हूँ।I'm a monster.This sentence is useful for practicing the word राक्षस.Tatoeba #13689217 by sabretou, translation #5097576 by al_ex_an_der
- मैं राक्षस नहीं हूँ।I am not a monster.Tatoeba #3621570 by sabretou, translation #1820204 by Amastan
- वह एक खौफनाक राक्षस है।He/She is a terrifying monster.
- कहानी में एक बहुत बड़ा राक्षस था।Kahani mein ek bahut bada rakshas tha.There was a very big monster in the story.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Priya and Vikas are watching a scary movie together.
- प्रिया Priyaक्या तुम्हें वह राक्षस डरावना लगा?Kya tumhe vah rakshas daravna laga?Did you find that monster scary?
- विकास Vikasहाँ, वह बहुत भयानक राक्षस था।Haan, vah bahut bhayanak rakshas tha.Yes, it was a very terrifying monster.
- प्रिया Priyaविकास, मुझे डर लग रहा है।Vikas, mujhe dar lag raha hai.Vikas, I am feeling scared.
- विकास Vikasडरो मत, यह सिर्फ एक फिल्म है।Daro mat, yeh sirf ek film hai.Don't be afraid, it is just a movie.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “monster” translations and entries राक्षस, देव, दानव, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries दानव, देव, राक्षस, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
