Inklingo

How to Say "phony" in Spanish

English → Spanish

hipócrita

nounB1informal
Use this informal term when you want to directly call someone out for being insincere or hypocritical, meaning their actions contradict their words or beliefs.

Examples

Ese político es un hipócrita.

That politician is a hypocrite.

fantasma

/fahn-TAHS-mah//fanˈtasma/

nounB2
Choose this word to describe someone who pretends to be important or capable but is actually ineffective and does nothing significant.
A brightly dressed figure standing on a small stage, proudly displaying a large, shiny gold medal and smiling boastfully.

Examples

No le hagas caso, solo es un fantasma que habla mucho pero no hace nada.

Don't pay attention to him, he's just a show-off who talks a lot but doesn't do anything.

Pensé que era millonario, pero resultó ser un fantasma.

I thought he was a millionaire, but he turned out to be a phony.

Referring to People

When used for a person, 'fantasma' usually keeps the masculine article 'el' even if referring to a woman (Elisa es un fantasma). This usage is very common in Spain.

Confusing literal and figurative use

Mistake: “El jefe es muy fantasma (meaning: The boss is very ghostly).”

Correction: El jefe es muy presumido/un fantasma (meaning: The boss is very conceited/a show-off). Use 'un fantasma' or switch to an adjective like 'presumido'.

Choosing Between 'Hipócrita' and 'Fantasma'

Learners often confuse 'hipócrita' and 'fantasma' because both describe someone not being genuine. Remember, 'hipócrita' focuses on insincerity and saying one thing while doing another, while 'fantasma' emphasizes being all talk and no action.

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