el monstruo
/el monstɾwo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "the monster" is translated into Spanish as el monstruo.
El monstruo refers to a frightening, imaginary creature or a person who is cruel and inhuman.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural "the monsters", use the form los monstruos.
How do you pronounce it?
/el monstɾwo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a person described as un monstruo can actually be a high compliment. It is often used to describe someone who is an absolute genius or a 'monster' of talent in their field.
- The Latin root of monstruo, mōnstrum, originally referred to a divine omen or a sign from the gods, rather than a physical creature.
- Spanish has a specific word cuco for the monster that hides under the bed or in the closet, similar to the English 'boogeyman'.
Examples in context
- El monstruo me persiguió.The monster chased me.This sentence shows how to use el monstruo to describe an action of pursuit.Tatoeba #8172621 by Seael, translation #6552694 by OsoHombre
- El monstruo era grotesco pero no intimidatorio.The monster was grotesque but not intimidating.This sentence shows how to use el monstruo when describing its appearance.Tatoeba #10273878 by Seael, translation #12965721 by mexicanhere
- El lago donde vive el monstruo está cerca de aquí.The lake where the monster lives is near here.This sentence shows how to use el monstruo to describe a creature's habitat.Tatoeba #6825569 by mervert1, translation #6825568 by mervert1
- El monstruo atacó la ciudad durante la noche.The monster attacked the city during the night.
- El espantajo se transforma en monstruo al caer la noche.The scarecrow transforms into a monster as night falls.
- ¡No entres al bosque! El bicho anda suelto.Don't go into the forest! The monster is loose.
- Cuidado con el bicharraco debajo de tu cama, ¡te puede comer los pies!Watch out for the monster under your bed, it might eat your feet!
Example conversation
María and Javier are talking about a scary movie they just watched.
- MaríaTengo miedo de el monstruo de la película.I am afraid of the monster from the movie.
- JavierNo te preocupes, María, no es real.Don't worry, María, it isn't real.
- MaríaPero el monstruo parece muy cruel.But the monster seems very cruel.
- JavierSolo es un disfraz, Javier te lo asegura.It is just a costume, Javier assures you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries el, monstruo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
