demonio de Tasmania
/deˌmonjo de tasˈmanja/masculine
The English phrase "tasmanian devil" is translated into Spanish as demonio de Tasmania. Wiktionary also lists diablo de Tasmania.
Meaning: Sarcophilus harrisii (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| demonio de Tasmania | /deˌmonjo de tasˈmanja/ | masculine |
| diablo de Tasmania | /djablo de tasmanja/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
Both terms refer to the carnivorous marsupial *Sarcophilus harrisii*.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase demonio de Tasmania is composed of demonio (demon), de (of) and Tasmania (Tasmania).
Which one should you use?
While both terms are used, demonio de Tasmania is the more common and standard way to refer to the animal in Spanish than diablo de Tasmania.
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to the species in a general sense, use the masculine singular article el as in el demonio de Tasmania.
How do you pronounce it?
/deˌmonjo de tasˈmanja/
Did you know?
- In Spanish-speaking countries, calling someone a diablo is often a playful way to describe a mischievous child rather than a literal demon.
- The word demonio in this phrase shares a root with the Ancient Greek word daimónion, which originally referred to a 'divine power' or 'spirit' rather than an evil entity.
- In Spanish, the word demonio can refer to a supernatural entity or a person with a wild, uncontrollable temperament, making the animal's name a double entendre.
Examples in context
- El Zorro de Tasmania es un marsupial nativo de Australia.The Tasmanian Devil is a marsupial native to Australia.
- El Diablo de Tasmania tiene una apariencia única y es conocido por su ferocidad.The Tasmanian Devil has a unique appearance and is known for its ferocity.
- El demonio de Tasmania es un marsupial.The Tasmanian devil is a marsupial.
- He visto un demonio de Tasmania en el documental.I saw a Tasmanian devil in the documentary.
- El demonio de Tasmania tiene un sonido aterrador.The Tasmanian devil has a terrifying sound.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are watching a nature documentary together.
- Alejandro¿Es ese un demonio de Tasmania?Is that a Tasmanian devil?
- SofíaSí, es un demonio de Tasmania muy pequeño.Yes, it is a very small Tasmanian devil.
- AlejandroMe da un poco de miedo verlo.It scares me a little to see it.
- SofíaNo te preocupes, está detrás de la pantalla.Don't worry, it is behind the screen.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tasmanian devil” translations and entries demonio de Tasmania, 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 de, demonio, diablo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
