el diablo
/el djablo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "the devil" is translated into Spanish as el diablo.
The phrase refers to the supreme spirit of evil in some religions.
Which one should you use?
While el diablo is the standard way to refer to the devil, you may encounter el demonio when a more theological or formal tone is required. In specific slang contexts, particularly in Mexico, the term El Chamuco is used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
El Chamuco is a slang term specifically used in Mexico to refer to the devil.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, people avoid saying el diablo out loud to prevent attracting his attention, instead using euphemisms like el malo meaning 'the bad one'.
- The word diablo comes from the Ancient Greek diábolos, which originally meant 'slanderer' or 'accuser' rather than a horned monster.
- Spanish speakers sometimes use diablo as an interjection to express surprise or anger, similar to how English speakers use 'damn' or 'devil!', without referring to the actual entity.
Examples in context
- El diablo se escapó.The devil escaped.This sentence is useful for practicing the form el diablo.Tatoeba #13745192 by Seael, translation #8861355 by shekitten
- ¿Dónde está el diablo?Where is the devil?Tatoeba #10272341 by Seael, translation #10272335 by SabukHitam
- El diablo tiene más de doce apóstoles.The devil has more than twelve apostles.Tatoeba #10092976 by manufrutos, translation #10088648 by ddnktr
- La Iglesia cree que El Diablo es una fuerza del mal que tienta a la humanidad.The Church believes that the devil is an evil force that tempts humanity.
- No me gustaría encontrarme con el Chamuco en una noche oscura.I wouldn't want to encounter the devil on a dark night.
- ¡Vaya plan! Parece hecho por el Diablo.What a plan! It seems like it was made by the devil.
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are discussing a horror movie they just watched.
- LucíaLa película fue muy oscura y triste.The movie was very dark and sad.
- JavierSí, el diablo era el personaje principal.Yes, the devil was the main character.
- LucíaMe asustó mucho esa parte final.That final part scared me a lot.
- JavierEs normal, el diablo daba mucho miedo.It's normal, the devil was very scary.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries diablo, el, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
