Inklingo

How to Say "insincere" in Spanish

English → Spanish

falso

FAHL-soh/ˈfalso/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'falso' when describing a person or their feelings as not being genuine or real, or when referring to an object that is a counterfeit.
A detailed, shiny gold coin lying next to a dull, crudely stamped gray metal coin, illustrating a counterfeit item.

Examples

Me di cuenta de que su interés era falso.

I realized that his interest was false.

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
Choose 'artificial' to describe expressions, emotions, or behavior that seem produced or performed rather than natural and heartfelt.
A wooden puppet wearing a mask with a painted-on smile.

Examples

Su disculpa sonó muy artificial.

His apology sounded very artificial.

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.

Falso vs. Artificial

Learners often confuse 'falso' and 'artificial'. Remember that 'falso' generally applies to things or people that are not what they seem, while 'artificial' specifically describes expressions or emotions that lack sincerity and seem put-on.

Related Translations

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