Usage Note
Diyablo entered Tagalog from Spanish diablo through Catholic missionary influence and is used literally in religious discourse for the devil or Satan. In everyday speech it also appears hyperbolically — scolding mischievous behavior, especially in children — without always carrying full theological weight.
Examples
" Takot ako sa diyablo. "
Natural Translation
I am afraid of the devil.
Literal Translation
Afraid I of devil.
" Huwag kang gumawa ng masama dahil ang diyablo ay naghahanap ng makukuha. "
Natural Translation
Don't do evil because the devil is looking for souls to take.
Literal Translation
Don't you do evil because the devil is-looking for can-be-taken.
" Ayon sa kanilang paniniwala, dapat lumayo sa kasamaan dahil naghihintay ang diyablo sa mga mahihina ang loob. "
Natural Translation
According to their belief, one should stay away from evil because the devil waits for those who are weak of spirit.
Literal Translation
According to their belief, should stay-away from evil because waiting the devil for the ones weak the inside.
Tagalog builds thousands of words from a few hundred roots.
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