verdadero
“verdadero” means “true” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
true
Also: real, factual
📝 In Action
La historia que me contaste no es verdadera.
A2The story you told me is not true.
Es un hecho verdadero que el agua hierve a 100 grados Celsius.
B1It is a true fact that water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.
real, genuine
📝 In Action
Este bolso es de cuero verdadero, no es sintético.
B1This purse is made of real leather, it's not synthetic.
¿Crees que este collar es de oro verdadero?
B1Do you think this necklace is real gold?
true, real
Also: proper
📝 In Action
Gracias por tu ayuda, eres un verdadero amigo.
B1Thanks for your help, you are a true friend.
¡Qué desastre! La fiesta fue un verdadero caos.
B1What a disaster! The party was a real chaos.
Encontrar un buen trabajo es el verdadero problema.
B2Finding a good job is the real problem.
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: verdadero
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence best translates to 'He is a true friend,' emphasizing his loyalty and quality as a person?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Spanish word 'verdad' (truth) plus the suffix '-ero', which is often used to form adjectives. 'Verdad' itself comes from the Latin word 'veritas', which meant 'truthfulness' or 'reality'.
First recorded: Around the 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'verdadero' and 'real'?
They are very similar and often interchangeable! 'Verdadero' often focuses on being 'true' vs. 'false' (like a story). 'Real' often focuses on being 'real' vs. 'imaginary' (like a monster). However, when talking about authentic materials (like 'real leather'), you can use either 'cuero verdadero' or 'cuero real'.
How do I know when to put 'verdadero' before or after a word?
Great question! Put it AFTER for a simple description: 'una historia verdadera' (a true story). Put it BEFORE to add emphasis or show a special quality: 'un verdadero genio' (a real genius). Placing it before the word makes it more about your opinion or feeling.