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How to Say "to forge" in Spanish

English → Spanish

falsificar

fal-see-fee-KARfalsifiˈkaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'falsificar' when you mean to illegally copy or create something with the intent to deceive, such as signatures, documents, or currency.
A hand holding a pen, carefully copying a handwritten name onto a paper next to an original version.

Examples

Intentaron falsificar la firma del director en el contrato.

They tried to forge the director's signature on the contract.

Es un delito federal falsificar billetes de banco.

It is a federal crime to counterfeit bank notes.

El científico admitió haber falsificado los resultados del experimento.

The scientist admitted to having falsified the experiment results.

The 'C' to 'QU' Spelling Tweak

In the past tense (Preterite) 'yo' form and in all 'special wish' (Subjunctive) forms, the 'c' changes to 'qu' to keep the hard 'k' sound. Without this, it would sound like an 's'!

Direct Action

This verb is used directly with the object being forged; you don't need a preposition like 'of' or 'with' between the verb and the noun.

Using 'falsar'

Mistake: “Yo quiero falsar este documento.”

Correction: Yo quiero falsificar este documento. 'Falsar' isn't a common word; always use 'falsificar' for forging or faking.

Spelling the Past Tense wrong

Mistake: “Yo falsificé la firma.”

Correction: Yo falsifiqué la firma. Remember the 'qu' is needed to keep the pronunciation consistent.

forjar

for-HARfoɾˈxaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'forjar' when talking about creating something abstract through effort, like character or alliances, or when a blacksmith physically shapes metal with heat.
A small sapling growing out of a solid rock, showing strength and persistence.

Examples

El herrero forja el hierro en el yunque.

The blacksmith forges the iron on the anvil.

Ellos quieren forjar una alianza duradera.

They want to forge a lasting alliance.

El deporte ayuda a forjar el carácter de los jóvenes.

Sports help to shape the character of young people.

Forjó su carrera con mucho esfuerzo y dedicación.

She built her career with a lot of effort and dedication.

Standard -ar Pattern

This verb is completely regular. If you know how to conjugate 'hablar,' you already know how to conjugate 'forjar'!

Using Abstract Objects

When using the figurative meaning (like building a friendship), you don't need any special words in between; just put the thing you are building right after the verb.

Physical Action

In this sense, the verb describes a physical repetitive action of hammering or shaping.

Building a House vs. Building a Future

Mistake: “Voy a forjar una casa.”

Correction: Voy a construir una casa. Use 'forjar' for metal or abstract ideas (friendship, career); use 'construir' for physical structures like buildings.

The 'Forget' False Friend

Mistake: “Forjé mi paraguas.”

Correction: Olvidé mi paraguas. 'Forjar' sounds like 'forget' but they are completely unrelated. 'Forjar' is for building, 'olvidar' is for forgetting.

inventar

een-ben-TARimbenˈtaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'inventar' when referring to making up or fabricating something untrue, like excuses, stories, or lies.
A child with an imaginative expression telling a story while a thought bubble above them shows a friendly purple dragon.

Examples

No me mientas, dejá de inventar excusas.

Don't lie to me, stop making up excuses.

Ella inventó una historia fantástica para su sobrino.

She made up a fantastic story for her nephew.

Falsificar vs. Forjar vs. Inventar

The most common mistake is using 'falsificar' for 'to forge' when you mean to create something positive through effort (use 'forjar') or to make up untrue information (use 'inventar'). Remember, 'falsificar' always implies illegality or deception.

Related Translations

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