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How to Say "fake" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “fake” is “falso” — use 'falso' when referring to something that is counterfeit, an imitation, or not real in a physical sense, like a fake product or a false statement..

English → Spanish

falso

FAHL-soh/ˈfalso/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'falso' when referring to something that is counterfeit, an imitation, or not real in a physical sense, like a fake product or a false statement.
A detailed, shiny gold coin lying next to a dull, crudely stamped gray metal coin, illustrating a counterfeit item.

Examples

Me compraron una copia falsa de la obra de arte.

They bought me a fake copy of the artwork.

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.

artificial

/ar-tee-fee-SYAL//aɾtifiˈsjal/

adjectiveB2general
Use 'artificial' primarily when referring to things that are man-made imitations of natural objects or substances, like artificial flowers or flavors.
A wooden puppet wearing a mask with a painted-on smile.

Examples

Las joyas artificiales pueden ser muy realistas.

Artificial jewelry can be very realistic.

Ella me dio una sonrisa un poco artificial.

She gave me a somewhat fake smile.

Su entusiasmo parecía muy artificial.

His enthusiasm seemed very forced.

inventado

een-vehn-TAH-doh/im.benˈta.ðo/

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'inventado' when an alibi, story, or excuse is not real and has been made up or fabricated.
A drawing by a child showing an imaginary purple dragon with rabbit ears, illustrating a 'made up' or fictional concept.

Examples

Su excusa sobre estar enfermo sonaba completamente inventada.

His excuse about being sick sounded completely made up.

Su coartada era completamente inventada.

His alibi was completely made up.

La noticia resultó ser inventada por un periódico sensacionalista.

The news turned out to be fake (invented) by a sensationalist newspaper.

No te creas ese rumor; es inventado.

Don't believe that rumor; it's fake.

Adjusting the Ending

As an adjective, 'inventado' must change its ending to match the noun it describes: 'inventada' (f.), 'inventados' (m. plural), 'inventadas' (f. plural).

artificiales

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

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

Examples

Los árboles artificiales se usan a menudo en decoraciones.

Artificial trees are often used in decorations.

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 vs. Artificial

Learners often confuse 'falso' and 'artificial'. Remember, 'falso' usually implies deception or counterfeit (a fake watch), while 'artificial' refers to imitation of nature (artificial flowers).

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