How to Say "insincere" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “insincere” is “falso” — 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.
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.
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Choose 'artificial' to describe expressions, emotions, or behavior that seem produced or performed rather than natural and heartfelt.
Learn more →FAHL-sohˈfalso
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.
ar-tee-fee-SYALaɾtifiˈsjal
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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