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How to Say "artificial" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “artificial” is “artificial” — use this when referring to something man-made or synthetic, directly contrasting with natural.

English → Spanish

artificial

ar-tee-fee-SYALaɾtifiˈsjal

adjectiveA2general
Use this when referring to something man-made or synthetic, directly contrasting with natural.
A colorful plastic flower in a small clay pot.

Examples

Prefiero la luz natural a la luz artificial.

I prefer natural light over artificial light.

El campo tiene césped artificial.

The field has artificial grass.

Estamos estudiando la inteligencia artificial.

We are studying artificial intelligence.

One word for both genders

This word doesn't change its ending for masculine or feminine things. You can say 'el lago artificial' or 'la flor artificial'—the ending stays the same!

Spelling check

Mistake: “artifisial”

Correction: artificial

sintético

adjectiveB1general
Use this to describe materials or substances that are not found in nature but are created chemically.

Examples

Prefiero las telas naturales a los tejidos sintéticos.

I prefer natural fabrics over synthetic textiles.

artificiales

ar-tee-fee-see-AH-lesaɾtifiˈθjales

adjectiveB1general
This is the plural form of 'artificial' and is used when referring to multiple man-made or non-natural items.
A close-up illustration of a vase holding several colorful, obviously plastic flowers that are perfectly formed and unnaturally smooth.

Examples

Las flores artificiales no necesitan agua.

Artificial flowers do not need water.

Muchos atletas usan superficies artificiales para entrenar.

Many athletes use artificial surfaces to train.

El gobierno está invirtiendo en lagos artificiales para la ciudad.

The government is investing in artificial lakes for the city.

Adjective Agreement (Plural)

Since 'artificiales' ends in -es, it is used to describe more than one thing. It works for both masculine plural nouns (like 'lagos artificiales') and feminine plural nouns (like 'luces artificiales').

Position

This adjective usually goes right after the noun it describes, like in 'productos artificiales' (artificial products), to clearly show what kind of product you are talking about.

Forgetting the Plural Ending

Mistake: “Compramos flores artificial.”

Correction: Compramos flores artificiales. Remember, if you are talking about many flowers ('flores'), the describing word must also be plural.

falso

FAHL-sohˈfalso

adjectiveB1general
Use this when referring to a counterfeit or imitation, something intended to deceive by appearing real.
A detailed, shiny gold coin lying next to a dull, crudely stamped gray metal coin, illustrating a counterfeit item.

Examples

Me vendieron un reloj falso en la calle.

They sold me a fake watch on the street.

Ella tiene una sonrisa falsa, no parece feliz.

She has an insincere (false) smile; she doesn't look happy.

Descubrieron que el dinero era falso.

They discovered that the money was counterfeit.

Using Ser vs. Estar

When describing a person's character as deceitful, always use 'ser': 'Él es falso' (He is a false person). You would not typically use 'estar' with this meaning.

forzado

for-SAH-dohforˈθaðo

adjectiveB2general
Choose this word when describing behavior, an expression, or an action that seems unnatural, insincere, or strained.
Two people standing stiffly and shaking hands with awkward, tight smiles.

Examples

Su sonrisa parecía un poco forzada en la foto.

Her smile seemed a bit forced in the photo.

El final de la película fue muy forzado.

The movie's ending was very contrived.

Describing feelings

Use this word when you want to describe a vibe or feeling that doesn't come across as sincere.

plástico

adjectiveA2figurative
Use this figuratively to describe someone or something that lacks genuine emotion, warmth, or sincerity.

Examples

Compró unos vasos plásticos muy baratos.

She bought some very cheap plastic cups.

Distinguishing Man-Made vs. Insincere

Learners often confuse 'artificial' (man-made) with 'forzado' or 'plástico' (insincere/unnatural behavior). Remember that 'artificial' and 'sintético' refer to physical objects not found in nature, while 'forzado' and 'plástico' describe qualities of behavior or expression.

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