verdadera
/ber-dah-DEH-rah/
true
Something that is verdadera is factually correct, like a puzzle piece that is exactly where it belongs.
verdadera(Adjective)
true
?factually correct
,actual
?the current or real one
real
?in the sense of being a fact
📝 In Action
¿Es esta la dirección verdadera de tu casa?
A2Is this the actual address of your house?
La respuesta verdadera es la 'C'.
A2The true answer is 'C'.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Agreement (Feminine)
Since 'verdadera' ends in '-a', you must only use it to describe feminine nouns (like 'dirección' or 'historia'). For masculine nouns, use 'verdadero' (el hecho verdadero).
⭐ Usage Tips
Positioning
Like most Spanish adjectives, 'verdadera' usually comes after the noun it describes: 'la verdad verdadera' (the true truth) is often used for emphasis.
If something is verdadera, it is genuine and authentic, like a real, sparkling gemstone.
📝 In Action
Esta joya parece una pieza de plata verdadera.
B1This jewel looks like a piece of genuine silver.
Encontré la paz interior verdadera después de mucho tiempo.
B2I found true inner peace after a long time.
⭐ Usage Tips
Meaning Shift
When 'verdadera' is placed before the noun (e.g., 'mi verdadera pasión'), it often emphasizes that this quality is essential or the most important one, rather than just factually correct.
When feelings are verdadera, they are sincere and come from the heart.
verdadera(Adjective)
sincere
?describing feelings
,true
?describing relationships/loyalty
heartfelt
?deep emotion
📝 In Action
Ella demostró una amistad verdadera y duradera.
B1She showed a true and lasting friendship.
Su tristeza parecía muy verdadera y profunda.
B2Her sadness seemed very sincere and deep.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'verdadera' and 'real'
Mistake: "Saying 'una emoción real' when you mean 'una emoción verdadera'."
Correction: While 'real' works, 'verdadera' is usually preferred when talking about the sincerity or depth of human emotion or connection.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: verdadera
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'verdadera' in the sense of 'genuine/authentic' (Definition 2)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'verdadera' and 'cierta'?
'Verdadera' (true/real) and 'cierta' (certain/sure/true) are very close. 'Cierta' often implies that something is confirmed or known for sure ('una noticia cierta'), whereas 'verdadera' tends to focus more on the reality, sincerity, or authenticity of something ('una amistad verdadera').
Since the word ends in '-a', can I use it with masculine words?
No. 'Verdadera' is strictly feminine. You must match the gender of the noun. For example, use 'la opinión verdadera' (feminine) but 'el sentimiento verdadero' (masculine).