auténtica
/ow-TEN-tee-kah/
genuine
This perfect ruby is auténtica (genuine)—it is not a fake gemstone.
auténtica(Adjective)
genuine
?not fake or counterfeit
,real
?true to source
original
?first or intended version
,verified
?officially confirmed
📝 In Action
Esta joya es auténtica, no es una imitación.
A2This jewel is genuine, it's not an imitation.
Queremos probar comida mexicana auténtica en el viaje.
B1We want to try real/authentic Mexican food on the trip.
La emoción que sentí fue auténtica.
B2The emotion I felt was genuine.
💡 Grammar Points
Matching the Noun
"Auténtica" is the feminine singular form. It must be used when describing a feminine person or thing, like la carta (the letter) or la emoción (the emotion).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Incorrect Gender
Mistake: "La carta es auténtico."
Correction: La carta es auténtica. Remember that adjectives must change to match the gender of the noun they describe.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Ser
This adjective almost always goes with the verb ser (to be) because it describes a permanent quality or identity of the noun (e.g., 'It is genuinely X').
The child’s offering is auténtica (sincere), showing true emotion.
auténtica(Adjective)
sincere
?about a person or feeling
,true to oneself
?not pretending
unaffected
?natural behavior
📝 In Action
Su personalidad es muy auténtica, siempre dice lo que piensa.
B2Her personality is very sincere/true to herself; she always says what she thinks.
La escritora tiene una voz narrativa auténtica que atrae al lector.
C1The writer has a genuine narrative voice that attracts the reader.
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Personality
When describing a person's character, auténtica is a high compliment, meaning they are trustworthy, honest, and not trying to be someone they're not.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: auténtica
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the feminine adjective 'auténtica'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'auténtica' and 'auténtico'?
They mean the exact same thing (genuine/real), but 'auténtica' is the feminine form used when describing feminine nouns (like *mesa*, *mujer*), while 'auténtico' is the masculine form used for masculine nouns (like *libro*, *hombre*).
Can 'auténtica' be used as a noun?
No, 'auténtica' is an adjective. However, you can use it to refer to a genuine thing when the noun is implied, such as saying 'Esta es la auténtica' (This is the genuine one), assuming everyone knows you are talking about 'la joya' (the jewel).