auténtico
/auˈtentiko/
The English word "authentic" is translated into Spanish as auténtico.
auténtico is used to describe something that conforms to reality and is therefore worthy of trust, reliance or belief.
Meaning: conforming to reality and therefore worthy of trust, reliance, or belief (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the term original may be more commonly used to convey authenticity.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, changing from auténtico to auténtica for feminine nouns. The adjective takes the masculine plural form auténticos when modifying masculine plural nouns or mixed-gender groups. The adjective takes the feminine plural form auténticas when modifying feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/auˈtentiko/
Did you know?
- The root of auténtico comes from the Greek authéntēs, which originally referred to a 'perpetrator' or someone who killed someone else by their own authority.
- Spanish speakers sometimes use auténtico as an intensifier, similar to how English speakers use 'real' in 'a real challenge' (un auténtico desafío), regardless of whether the object is a fake or a forgery.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, calling a person auténtico can be a compliment meaning they are 'true to themselves' and not a hypocrite.
Examples in context
- Sus partituras solo podían ser adecuadamente interpretadas por auténticos virtuosos.His scores could only be properly interpreted by authentic virtuosos.This sentence demonstrates the use of auténtico to describe virtuosos.Tatoeba #3720375 by Seael, translation #4445336 by LB
- Muchos nobles auténticos no tenían una partícula nobiliaria en sus nombres.Many authentic nobles did not have a nobiliary particle in their names.This sentence shows how auténtico can describe nobles.Tatoeba #991014 by hayastan, translation #407543 by Scott
- Ahora que eres un auténtico consumista, puedes comenzar a pensar en como se lo retribuirás a la sociedad.Now that you are an authentic consumer, you can start thinking about how will you pay it back to society.This sentence uses auténtico to describe a consumer.Tatoeba #1801761 by marcelostockle, translation #1801764 by marcelostockle
- Este reloj es genuinoThis watch is authentic
- Es un restaurante auténticoIt's an authentic restaurant
- Este documento es fidedignoThis document is authentic
- ¡Qué auténtico!How authentic!
- Es un verdadero artistaHe is a true artist
- auténtica culturaauthentic culture
- genuina expresióngenuine expression
- La música en este lugar es auténtica, te hará sentir como en casa.The music in this place is authentic, it will make you feel at home.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are discussing a painting at an art gallery.
- Daniel¿Crees que este cuadro es auténtico?Do you think this painting is authentic?
- MaríaSí, parece un objeto auténtico.Yes, it looks like an authentic object.
- DanielMaría, ¿estás segura de ello?Maria, are you sure about that?
- MaríaSí, el experto lo confirmó.Yes, the expert confirmed it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry auténtico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries auténtico, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
