¿de verdad?
/de beɾˈda/word by word
In Spanish, "do you really?" is translated as ¿de verdad?
The phrase ¿de verdad? is used as a standalone question to express disbelief or to ask for confirmation of a statement.
Which one should you use?
While ¿de verdad? is used to confirm if something is true, ¿en serio? is a more common way to express "seriously?" or "are you serious?" in response to surprising news.
How do you pronounce it?
/de beɾˈda/
Did you know?
- While ¿de verdad? is a standard way to ask if something is true, you may encounter the more colloquial ¿neta? in Mexico to express the exact same feeling of 'really?'
- The word verdad shares its ancestor with the English word 'verity', which is why both languages use a similar root to describe the quality of being true.
- In some dialects, particularly in Spain, speakers may use ¿de verdad? as a sarcastic filler in a conversation even when they already know the answer.
Examples in context
- Me voy a vivir a Japón. ¡¿De verdad?!I am going to live in Japan. Really?!
- Dice que vendrá pronto, ¿de verdad?He says he's coming soon, really?
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are talking about a new job offer.
- ElenaMe han ofrecido un trabajo en Madrid.I have been offered a job in Madrid.
- Javier¿De verdad? ¡Qué buena noticia!Do you really? That's great news!
- ElenaSí, empiezo el próximo mes.Yes, I start next month.
- JavierEstoy muy feliz por ti, Elena.I am very happy for you, Elena.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (de, verdad) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, verdad, CC BY-SA 4.0.
