Inklingo

How to Say "artificial" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “artificial” is “artificial” — use this word when referring to something that is made by humans rather than occurring naturally, like artificial light or flavors..

artificial🔊A2

Use this word when referring to something that is made by humans rather than occurring naturally, like artificial light or flavors.

{ui.learnMore}
artificiales🔊B1

This is the plural form of 'artificial' and is used when referring to multiple man-made items that are not natural, such as artificial flowers or sweeteners.

{ui.learnMore}
falso🔊B1

Use 'falso' when you mean something is a counterfeit or a man-made substitute intended to deceive, like a fake watch or a false diamond.

{ui.learnMore}
forzado🔊B2

Choose 'forzado' when describing something that is not genuine or natural in its manner or expression, often implying effort or insincerity, like a forced smile or a forced laugh.

{ui.learnMore}
plásticoA2

Use 'plástico' figuratively to describe behavior or emotions that lack sincerity, naturalness, or warmth, similar to how 'plastic' can be used in English.

{ui.learnMore}
English → Spanish

artificial

/ar-tee-fee-SYAL//aɾtifiˈsjal/

adjectiveA2general
Use this word when referring to something that is made by humans rather than occurring naturally, like artificial light or flavors.
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

artificiales

/ar-tee-fee-see-AH-les//aɾtifiˈθjales/

adjectiveB1general
This is the plural form of 'artificial' and is used when referring to multiple man-made items that are not natural, such as artificial flowers or sweeteners.
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-soh/ˈfalso/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'falso' when you mean something is a counterfeit or a man-made substitute intended to deceive, like a fake watch or a false diamond.
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-doh//forˈθaðo/

adjectiveB2general
Choose 'forzado' when describing something that is not genuine or natural in its manner or expression, often implying effort or insincerity, like a forced smile or a forced laugh.
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 'plástico' figuratively to describe behavior or emotions that lack sincerity, naturalness, or warmth, similar to how 'plastic' can be used in English.

Examples

Compró unos vasos plásticos muy baratos.

She bought some very cheap plastic cups.

Confusing 'Artificial' vs. 'Falso'

Learners often confuse 'artificial' (man-made) with 'falso' (fake or counterfeit). Remember that 'artificial' can describe neutral man-made objects like lights or flowers, while 'falso' implies deception or a poor imitation.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.