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real

rreh-AHLreˈal

real

Also: actual, true
A high quality illustration showing a small child next to a real, friendly dog, while the child holds a drawing of an imaginary creature.

📝 In Action

Esta es una historia real, no es una película.

A2

This is a real story, it's not a movie.

En la vida real, las cosas son más complicadas.

B1

In real life, things are more complicated.

¿Cuál es el costo real del proyecto?

B1

What is the actual cost of the project?

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • en tiempo real – in real time
  • la vida real – real life
  • un problema real – a real problem

royal

Also: regal
AdjectiveB1formal
A magnificent, golden royal crown resting on a deep red velvet cushion.

📝 In Action

El Palacio Real de Madrid es una atracción turística muy popular.

B1

The Royal Palace of Madrid is a very popular tourist attraction.

La familia real británica tiene una larga historia.

B1

The British royal family has a long history.

El club de fútbol se llama Real Madrid.

A2

The football club is called Real Madrid.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • regio (regal, royal)

Antonyms

  • plebeyo (common, plebeian)

Common Collocations

  • la casa real – the royal household
  • decreto real – royal decree
  • la familia real – the royal family

real

NounmC1
Brazil
A close-up of a large, historical Spanish silver coin (a real or piece of eight).

📝 In Action

En el siglo XVIII, un almuerzo podía costar un par de reales.

C1

In the 18th century, a lunch could cost a couple of reales.

El famoso 'real de a ocho' era una moneda de plata muy valiosa.

C2

The famous 'piece of eight' was a very valuable silver coin.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

  • real de a ocho – piece of eight (historical coin)

🔀 Commonly Confused With

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "real" in Spanish:

actual→real→regal→royal→true→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: real

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'real' to mean 'royal'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

This word is a 'homonym,' which means it looks and sounds the same but has two totally different origins! The meaning 'actual' comes from the Latin word *reālis*, related to *res* ('thing' or 'matter'). The meaning 'royal' comes from a different Latin word, *rēgālis*, related to *rex* ('king').

First recorded: 12th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: real, royalFrench: réel, royalPortuguese: realItalian: reale

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if 'real' means 'real' or 'royal'?

Context is everything! If it's describing a problem, a story, or a situation, it almost always means 'actual' or 'real'. If it's part of a proper name like *Palacio Real* or *Real Madrid*, or describes something connected to a king or queen, it means 'royal'.

Why is it 'Real Madrid' and not 'Madrid Real'?

Great question! While most Spanish adjectives come after the noun, 'real' meaning 'royal' is an exception when it's part of an official title. It's a bit like saying 'The Royal Palace' in English instead of 'The Palace Royal'. It just sounds more official that way.

Is 'real' related to the English word 'realize'?

Not in the way you might think! To 'realize' something in your mind (to become aware) is *darse cuenta* in Spanish. The Spanish verb *realizar* means 'to carry out,' 'to accomplish,' or 'to make something real.' It's a classic 'false friend' that tricks many English speakers!