Inklingo

How to Say "fact" in Spanish

English → Spanish

hecho

EH-chohˈe.t͡ʃo

NounA2General
Use 'hecho' when 'fact' refers to a statement that is true or a piece of information that is known to be true, especially when used in phrases like 'in fact' or 'as a matter of fact'.
A magnifying glass examining a detail in a book, representing the concept of a 'fact'.

Examples

De hecho, prefiero el té.

In fact, I prefer tea.

El hecho es que no tenemos suficiente tiempo.

The fact is that we don't have enough time.

Fue un hecho histórico muy importante.

It was a very important historical event.

dato

DAH-tohˈda.to

NounB1General
Choose 'dato' when 'fact' refers to a piece of information, a datum, or data, especially in a context where you are collecting or presenting information.
A glowing blue computer chip with light pulses traveling through circuits, representing digital data.

Examples

Tengo muchos datos sobre este tema.

I have a lot of data/information about this topic.

¿Me puedes dar tu número de teléfono? Es un dato importante.

Can you give me your phone number? It's an important piece of information.

Los científicos analizaron los datos del experimento.

The scientists analyzed the data from the experiment.

Always masculine, even when referring to feminine concepts

In Spanish, 'dato' is always masculine. You say 'el dato' never 'la dato,' even when the information is about a woman.

Confusing 'dato' with 'data' in English

Mistake: “Using 'data' in Spanish sentences”

Correction: Use 'dato' (singular) or 'datos' (plural) in Spanish: 'Los datos están protegidos' (The data is protected), not 'Los data están protegidos.'

verdad

ber-DAHDbeɾˈðað

NounA1General
Use 'verdad' when 'fact' is used in the sense of 'the truth' or when you are asking someone to tell you what is real or accurate.
A set of balanced scales, with a single white feather on one side and a heavy, dark rock on the other. The scale is tipped down on the feather's side, symbolizing that truth has more weight.

Examples

Dime la verdad.

Tell me the truth.

La verdad es que no quiero ir.

The truth is that I don't want to go.

Busco la verdad sobre lo que pasó.

I'm looking for the truth about what happened.

It's Feminine!

'Verdad' is a feminine word, so you always use 'la' or 'una' with it, not 'el' or 'un'. For example, 'la verdad' (the truth).

Using 'Verdad' vs. 'Verdadero'

Mistake: “La historia es verdad.”

Correction: La historia es verdadera. Use 'verdad' (the noun) for 'the truth' and 'verdadero/a' (the adjective) to describe something as 'true'.

Hecho vs. Verdad

Learners often confuse 'hecho' and 'verdad' because both can relate to truth. Remember that 'hecho' is typically used for a specific piece of information or statement that is true, often as an adverbial phrase like 'de hecho' (in fact). 'Verdad' is more about the concept of truth itself or asking for the truth.

Related Translations

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