Inklingo

How to Say "genuine" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “genuine” is “auténtico” — use 'auténtico' when referring to something that is real and not a copy or imitation, emphasizing its undisputed origin..

auténticoA2

Use 'auténtico' when referring to something that is real and not a copy or imitation, emphasizing its undisputed origin.

{ui.learnMore}
verdadero🔊B1

Use 'verdadero' to confirm that something is real and not fake or artificial, often in contrast to a synthetic or imitation material.

{ui.learnMore}
sincero🔊B1

Choose 'sincero' when describing a person or their emotions as honest, heartfelt, and free from pretense.

{ui.learnMore}
legítimoB1

Use 'legítimo' to assert that something is legally valid or has a recognized right to exist, often implying authenticity.

{ui.learnMore}
natural🔊B2

Employ 'natural' to describe behavior or a manner that is unforced, spontaneous, and free from artificiality or affectation.

{ui.learnMore}
pura🔊B2

Use 'pura' in expressions like 'pura coincidencia' to mean 'sheer' or 'complete', indicating the absolute nature of something.

{ui.learnMore}
English → Spanish

auténtico

adjectiveA2
Use 'auténtico' when referring to something that is real and not a copy or imitation, emphasizing its undisputed origin.

Examples

Este reloj es auténtico; lo compré en Suiza.

This watch is authentic; I bought it in Switzerland.

verdadero

/ber-da-DE-ro//beɾðaˈðeɾo/

adjectiveB1
Use 'verdadero' to confirm that something is real and not fake or artificial, often in contrast to a synthetic or imitation material.
A genuine, shining gold nugget placed beside a dull, yellow-painted rock, illustrating the concept of authenticity.

Examples

Este bolso es de cuero verdadero, no es sintético.

This purse is made of real leather, it's not synthetic.

¿Crees que este collar es de oro verdadero?

Do you think this necklace is real gold?

sincero

sin-CEH-roh/sinˈse.ɾo/

adjectiveB1
Choose 'sincero' when describing a person or their emotions as honest, heartfelt, and free from pretense.
A small, friendly storybook bear character stands with its arms open, showing a bright, glowing heart symbol visible in its chest, representing sincerity and openness.

Examples

Mi abuela siempre fue una persona muy sincera.

My grandmother was always a very sincere person.

Te doy mi opinión más sincera sobre el proyecto.

I'm giving you my most honest opinion about the project.

Aunque la verdad era dolorosa, agradeció que el doctor fuera sincero.

Although the truth was painful, he appreciated that the doctor was truthful.

Adjective Agreement

As an adjective, 'sincero' must change its ending to match the noun it describes. Use '-a' for feminine nouns (sincera) and add '-s' for plural nouns (sinceros/sinceras).

Using 'Ser'

This word almost always pairs with the verb 'ser' (to be) because it describes a fundamental quality or personality trait: 'Ella es sincera' (She is sincere).

Forgetting Feminine Form

Mistake: “La profesora es sincero.”

Correction: La profesora es sincera. (Since 'profesora' is feminine, the adjective must end in -a.)

legítimo

adjectiveB1
Use 'legítimo' to assert that something is legally valid or has a recognized right to exist, often implying authenticity.

Examples

Esta es una pintura legítima de Dalí.

This is a genuine painting by Dalí.

natural

/nah-too-RAHL//na.tuˈɾal/

adjectiveB2
Employ 'natural' to describe behavior or a manner that is unforced, spontaneous, and free from artificiality or affectation.
A close-up view of a child's hand gently offering a bright yellow daisy, symbolizing a genuine and sincere gesture.

Examples

Admiro su forma de actuar tan natural y sin poses.

I admire her very natural and unpretentious way of acting.

Su talento es tan natural que parece que no necesita practicar.

His talent is so effortless that it seems he doesn't need to practice.

pura

/POO-rah//ˈpu.ɾa/

adjectiveB2
Use 'pura' in expressions like 'pura coincidencia' to mean 'sheer' or 'complete', indicating the absolute nature of something.
A colossal, vertical, sheer cliff face composed entirely of solid rock, dominating the view above a blue ocean, illustrating absolute scale.

Examples

Fue pura coincidencia que nos encontráramos allí.

It was sheer coincidence that we ran into each other there.

Sintió una pura felicidad al ver a su hija.

She felt absolute happiness upon seeing her daughter.

Intensifying Emotions

When 'pura' is used as an intensifier, it often comes before the noun (e.g., 'pura alegría') to emphasize the totality of the emotion or quality.

Authenticity vs. Sincerity

Learners often confuse 'auténtico'/'verdadero' (authenticity, realness) with 'sincero' (sincerity, honesty). Remember that 'auténtico' and 'verdadero' refer to whether something is real or not, while 'sincero' describes a person's true feelings or intentions.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.