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How to Say "reality" in Spanish

English → Spanish

realidad

/rre-ah-lee-DAHD//realiˈdad/

NounA2General
Use 'realidad' when referring to the actual state of affairs or circumstances, often in contrast to an imagined or desired state. It can also be used adverbially as 'en realidad' to mean 'actually' or 'in fact'.
A massive, sturdy oak tree with deep, visible roots anchoring it firmly in rich brown soil under a bright, clear sky.

Examples

La realidad es que no tenemos suficiente dinero para el viaje.

The reality is that we don't have enough money for the trip.

En realidad, no quiero ir a la fiesta.

Actually, I don't want to go to the party.

A veces la realidad supera la ficción.

Sometimes reality is stranger than fiction.

La realidad virtual es una tecnología increíble.

Virtual reality is an incredible technology.

Always Feminine

Words in Spanish that end in '-dad', like 'ciudad' (city) or 'universidad' (university), are almost always feminine. So, it's always 'la realidad' or 'una realidad'.

Using 'Actualmente' for 'Actually'

Mistake: “Parece fácil, pero actualmente es muy difícil.”

Correction: Parece fácil, pero en realidad es muy difícil. Remember, 'actualmente' means 'currently' or 'nowadays', while the phrase 'en realidad' means 'actually' or 'in fact'.

verdad

/ber-DAHD//beɾˈðað/

NounA1General
Use 'verdad' when referring to truth, honesty, or a factual statement, particularly when asking for or stating what is true. It's often used in phrases like 'la verdad' (the truth) or 'decir la verdad' (to tell the truth).
A set of balanced scales, with a single white feather on one side and a heavy, dark rock on the other. The scale is tipped down on the feather's side, symbolizing that truth has more weight.

Examples

Por favor, dime la verdad sobre lo que pasó.

Please, tell me the truth about what happened.

Dime la verdad.

Tell me the truth.

La verdad es que no quiero ir.

The truth is that I don't want to go.

Busco la verdad sobre lo que pasó.

I'm looking for the truth about what happened.

It's Feminine!

'Verdad' is a feminine word, so you always use 'la' or 'una' with it, not 'el' or 'un'. For example, 'la verdad' (the truth).

Using 'Verdad' vs. 'Verdadero'

Mistake: “La historia es verdad.”

Correction: La historia es verdadera. Use 'verdad' (the noun) for 'the truth' and 'verdadero/a' (the adjective) to describe something as 'true'.

Confusing 'realidad' and 'verdad'

Learners often confuse 'realidad' and 'verdad' because both relate to truth. Remember that 'realidad' describes the state of things (what *is*), while 'verdad' refers to the quality of being true or a specific truthful statement (what *is true*).

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