Inklingo

How to Say "factual" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “factual” is “objetivo” — use this translation when 'factual' means based purely on facts and evidence, rather than personal feelings or opinions, especially in contexts like legal or scientific analysis..

English → Spanish

objetivo

ohb-heh-TEE-voh/oβ.xeˈti.βo/

adjectiveB2
Use this translation when 'factual' means based purely on facts and evidence, rather than personal feelings or opinions, especially in contexts like legal or scientific analysis.
A perfectly level balance scale holding two identical weights, illustrating impartiality and objectivity.

Examples

El juez debe ser totalmente objetivo al considerar la evidencia.

The judge must be totally objective when considering the evidence.

Ella siempre da una opinión objetiva de la situación.

She always gives an objective (factual) opinion of the situation.

Es difícil ser objetivo cuando se trata de tu propia familia.

It is difficult to be objective when it concerns your own family.

Agreement is Key

As an adjective, 'objetivo' must change its ending to match the noun it describes. Say 'una perspectiva objetiva' (feminine) and 'un informe objetivo' (masculine).

Ignoring gender agreement

Mistake: “Una decisión objetivo.”

Correction: Una decisión objetiva. (Since 'decisión' is feminine, the adjective must end in '-a'.)

verdadero

/ber-da-DE-ro//beɾðaˈðeɾo/

adjectiveA2
Choose this translation when 'factual' is used in the sense of being true or real, as opposed to false or imaginary. It's a general term for correctness.
Two brightly colored, complex puzzle pieces fitting together exactly, symbolizing factual truth.

Examples

La historia que me contaste no es verdadera.

The story you told me is not true.

Es un hecho verdadero que el agua hierve a 100 grados Celsius.

It is a true fact that water boils at 100 degrees Celsius.

Matches the Noun

Like most describing words in Spanish, 'verdadero' changes to match the thing it's describing. Use 'verdadero' for masculine things, 'verdadera' for feminine things, and add an 's' for plural ('verdaderos', 'verdaderas').

Using 'verdadero' vs. 'verdad'

Mistake: “La historia es verdadero.”

Correction: La historia es verdadera. OR Es verdad. 'Verdadero' is a describing word (adjective), so it must match 'historia' (feminine). 'Verdad' is the thing itself (the noun 'truth'). You can say 'It is truth' (Es verdad) or 'The story is true' (La historia es verdadera).

positivo

/poh-see-TEE-voh//posiˈtiβo/

adjectiveB2
Use this when 'factual' implies a clear, definite, and certain answer or outcome, often in a business or decision-making context.
A thick, bold green checkmark placed squarely inside a target circle, symbolizing certainty and definiteness.

Examples

Necesito una respuesta positiva antes de firmar el contrato.

I need a definite answer before signing the contract.

La ley positiva es aquella que está escrita y establecida.

Positive law is that which is written and established.

documental

/doh-koo-men-TAHL//doku-menˈtal/

adjectiveB2
This translation is appropriate when 'factual' refers to information or evidence that is supported by documented records or official papers.
A stack of paper documents with wax seals and a magnifying glass on a wooden table.

Examples

El abogado presentó una prueba documental.

The lawyer presented documentary evidence.

Hicimos una investigación documental antes de escribir el libro.

We did some documentary research before writing the book.

One size fits all

This adjective ends in -l, which means it doesn't change for boys or girls! You use 'documental' for both masculine and feminine things.

Objectivo vs. Verdadero

Learners often confuse 'objetivo' and 'verdadero'. Remember that 'objetivo' specifically means unbiased and based on evidence, while 'verdadero' simply means true or real. Use 'verdadero' for general truthfulness and 'objetivo' for impartiality.

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