cierto
/ˈθjeɾto/
cierto is the Spanish word for 'true' or 'certain'.
cierto is used to confirm that something is true or correct. It often functions as a synonym for verdad (truth) when you are confirming a specific fact. A common way to use it is in the phrase Es cierto, which means 'It is true' to confirm a statement previously made.
Which one should you use?
While cierto can mean 'true' or 'certain', the adverbial form ciertamente (certainly) is used specifically to express certainty or to emphasize a point. In formal contexts, you might use Efectivamente to mean 'Indeed'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word must agree in gender with the noun it modifies. Use cierta when modifying a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈθjeɾto/
Did you know?
- In some dialects, cierto can be used as a mild euphemism. Saying ciertas cosas (certain things) allows a speaker to refer to something scandalous or private without naming it explicitly.
- Depending on the context, cierto can mean 'certain' in the sense of 'a certain person' or 'a certain thing' rather than 'true'. This allows it to function as an indefinite adjective, similar to the English word 'some'.
- The word cierto is a close relative of the English word 'certain'. Both descended from the Latin certus, which originally meant 'settled' or 'sure'.
Examples in context
- Es cierto que hoy es lunes.It is true that today is Monday.
- ¿Es cierto lo que dijiste?Is what you said true?
- No me parece cierto.That doesn't seem true to me.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are discussing a movie plot.
- SofíaLa película termina muy mal, ¿cierto?The movie ends very badly, right?
- DanielSí, es cierto, fue muy triste.Yes, that's true, it was very sad.
- SofíaMe sorprendió mucho el final.The ending really surprised me.
- DanielA mí tambión, Daniel está de acuerdo.Me too, Daniel agrees.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cierto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cierto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
