auténtico
/ow-TEN-tee-koh/
authentic
This genuine, natural apple illustrates the meaning of auténtico as "authentic" or "genuine."
auténtico(Adjective)
authentic
?genuine, not fake
,real
?sincere or true
genuine
?of undisputed origin
,true
?used for feelings or descriptions
📝 In Action
Este reloj es auténtico; lo compré en Suiza.
A2This watch is authentic; I bought it in Switzerland.
La comida tailandesa de este restaurante sabe muy auténtica.
B1The Thai food at this restaurant tastes very authentic.
Necesitas ser más auténtico contigo mismo para ser feliz.
B2You need to be more true to yourself to be happy.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
As an adjective, 'auténtico' must match the noun it describes. Use auténtico (masculine singular), auténtica (feminine singular), auténticos (masculine plural), or auténticas (feminine plural).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'auténtico' and 'de verdad'
Mistake: "Using 'Es auténtico de verdad' (It is authentic of truth)."
Correction: Since 'auténtico' already means 'real' or 'true,' adding 'de verdad' (really/truly) is redundant. Just say 'Es auténtico'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Emphasizing Quality
Use 'auténtico' before a noun (e.g., 'un auténtico desastre') to emphasize that something is a perfect or extreme example of that noun, often in a figurative way.
An officially verified document, marked by a seal, represents auténtico when meaning "certified."
auténtico(Adjective)
certified
?officially verified (document)
,reliable
?undisputed proof or evidence
verified
?officially confirmed
📝 In Action
El notario firmó el acta para hacerla auténtica.
B2The notary signed the record to make it certified/official.
Presentaron una declaración auténtica ante el juez.
C1They presented a verified statement before the judge.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Contexts
In legal and bureaucratic language, 'auténtico' often means that a document has been officially checked and confirmed as legitimate by a reliable source, like a notary or a government office.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: auténtico
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the feminine plural form of 'auténtico'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'auténtico' and 'verdadero'?
'Auténtico' means 'genuine' or 'real' in the sense of origin or sincerity (e.g., an authentic painting, a real smile). 'Verdadero' means 'true' or 'correct' in the sense of facts or statements (e.g., a true story, a correct answer). Sometimes they overlap, but 'auténtico' often focuses on the quality of being original.