monstruo
/ˈmonstɾwo/masculine
The English word "monster" is translated into Spanish as monstruo. Wiktionary also lists vestiglo.
Meaning: terrifying dangerous creature (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| monstruo | /ˈmonstɾwo/ /ˈmonstɾo/ |
masculine |
| vestiglo | /bestiɡlo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
The term refers to a terrifying dangerous creature. If you are discussing someone with monstrous behavior in a formal context, you can use the phrase ser monstruoso. Additionally, the word bicharraco is an augmentative form of bicho used to describe a large and fearsome creature.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of monstruo is monstruos.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmonstɾwo/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, calling someone a monstruo can actually be a high compliment. It is often used to describe someone who is a 'monster' of talent or an absolute master of their craft, such as a brilliant musician or athlete.
- The Spanish word monstruo shares the same Latin root, mōnstrum, as the English word 'monster', which originally meant a 'divine sign' or 'omen'.
- The phrase ser monstruoso can describe a person's behavior, but it is also used to describe an unnaturally large physical size or an exorbitant price.
Examples in context
- Él es un monstruo.He’s such a monster.This sentence is useful for saying someone is a monster using monstruo.Tatoeba #10051391 by manufrutos, translation #10049802 by espamatics
- No eres un monstruo.You aren't a monster.Tatoeba #9668459 by stormy_clau, translation #9605402 by Adelpa
- Sami era un monstruo.Sami was a monster.This sentence is useful for describing someone in the past as a monster using monstruo.Tatoeba #13749015 by Seael, translation #6331007 by OsoHombre
- El monstruo del lago Ness es legendario en Escocia.The Loch Ness monster is legendary in Scotland.
- El asesino en serie mostró un comportamiento monstruoso.The serial killer displayed monstrous behavior.
- Esa película de terror tenía unos bichos realmente aterradores.That horror movie had some really terrifying monsters.
- En aquella película, el protagonista se enfrenta a un enorme bicharraco de las profundidades.In that movie, the protagonist faces off against a huge monster from the depths.
- En los cuentos de hadas, el gigante es un monstruo temible que vive en las montañas.In fairy tales, the giant is a fearsome monster that lives in the mountains.
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are talking about a scary movie.
- Javier¿Viste al monstruo en la pantalla?Did you see the monster on the screen?
- ElenaSí, era un monstruo terrible.Yes, it was a terrible monster.
- JavierMe dio mucho miedo.It scared me a lot.
- ElenaA mí también, Javier.Me too, Javier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “monster” translations and entries monstruo, 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 monstruo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
