demonio (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

• Noun

Phonetic Transcription

• /deˈmo.njo/

Translation Options into English

• Demon
• Devil

Meaning and Usage

The word "demonio" refers to an evil spirit or supernatural being, often associated with malevolence or temptation. In Spanish, it can also be used in a colloquial context to express extreme annoyance or intensity (e.g., "tengo un demonio dentro" - "I have a demon inside me," meaning being very angry or frustrated).

The term has a frequency of use that varies; however, it is commonly seen in both oral and written contexts, particularly in literature, folklore, religion, and casual expressions.

Example Sentences

1. "El demonio tentó a Adán y Eva en el paraíso."

2. "The demon tempted Adam and Eve in paradise."

3. "A veces siento que tengo un demonio dentro de mí cuando estoy enojado."

4. "Sometimes I feel like I have a demon inside me when I'm angry."

5. "La película estaba llena de demonios y criaturas sobrenaturales."

6. "The movie was full of demons and supernatural creatures."

Idiomatic Expressions

The word "demonio" features in various idiomatic expressions in Spanish, illustrating the concept of troublesome or challenging situations.

1. "Hacerle un demonio"
2. Meaning to annoy someone deliberately.

3. Example: "Siempre le hago un demonio a mi hermano cuando quiere estudiar."

   • "I always annoy my brother when he wants to study."

4. "Levantar demonios"

5. To stir up trouble or invoke controversy.

6. Example: "El político levantó demonios al hablar de esa ley."

   • "The politician stirred up trouble by talking about that law."

7. "Echar demonios"

8. To lose one’s temper or act irrationally.

9. Example: "Cuando pierde su clase, echa demonios."

   • "When he loses his class, he throws a fit."

10. "Con un demonio en el cuerpo"

11. To be very angry or uncontrollable.

12. Example: "Cuando le dijeron que no podía ir a la fiesta, tenía un demonio en el cuerpo."

    • "When they told her she couldn't go to the party, she was like a demon."

13. "Ver demonios"

14. To be overly paranoid or to see things that aren't there.
15. Example: "Desde que tuvo esa experiencia, empieza a ver demonios en todas partes."
    • "Ever since that experience, she starts seeing demons everywhere."

Etymology

The word "demonio" is derived from the Latin "daemonium," which in turn comes from the Greek "daimon," referring to a spirit or guiding being. Initially, "daimon" did not have an inherently negative connotation but evolved into meanings associated with evil in later interpretations.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms:
• Diablo (Devil)
• Espíritu maligno (Evil spirit)

• Maligno (Villainous)

• Antonyms:

• Ángel (Angel)
• Santo (Saint)
• Virtud (Virtue)

In summary, "demonio" is a multifaceted term that is rich in cultural implications and idiomatic expressions within the Spanish language. Its usage spans from literal meanings of evil spirits to more colloquial expressions of frustration or intensity.