French Conversation · Level 29
89 words
French word
diable
Pronunciation
IPA/djabl/
Meaning
- masculine noundevil
Example
Je ne crois pas au diable.
I don't believe in the devil.
More examples
Ne faites pas confiance à quelqu'un qui semble être le diable.
Do not trust someone who seems to be the devil.
Core concept
An embodiment of harmful evil, extended in ordinary speech to someone whose cunning mischief causes trouble.
Common phrases
vendre son âme au diable
sell one's soul to the devil
faire affaire avec le diable
do business with the devil
Similar words
démon: A supernatural being believed to lead people toward evil.
Satan: The chief embodiment of evil in the Bible and related traditions.
monstre: An imaginary creature that threatens and harms people.
Definition in French
Créature ou figure surnaturelle personnifiant le mal, ou, au sens figuré, une personne très malicieuse ou dangereuse.
Word origin
The noun derives from Latin diabolus, borrowed from Greek diábolos, a word linked to the idea of slandering or setting people against one another.
Usage tips
- In phrases such as un sacré diable, diable can describe a notably spirited or troublesome person rather than a literal supernatural being.