Inklingo

How to Say "truth" in Spanish

English → Spanish

verdad

/ber-DAHD//beɾˈðað/

NounA1General
Use 'verdad' when referring to the general concept of truth, honesty, or a factual statement.
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

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'.

realidad

/rre-ah-lee-DAHD//realiˈdad/

NounA2General
Use 'realidad' when referring to the actual state of things, the way something truly is, or often used adverbially as 'in reality' or 'actually'.
A massive, sturdy oak tree with deep, visible roots anchoring it firmly in rich brown soil under a bright, clear sky.

Examples

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 vs. Realidad

Learners often confuse 'verdad' and 'realidad' because both can relate to 'truth'. Remember that 'verdad' is the direct equivalent of 'truth' as a concept or statement, while 'realidad' describes the actual situation or state of things, often functioning as 'reality' or 'actually'.

Related Translations

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