Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| genuino | /xeˈnwino/ |
| auténtico | /auˈtentiko/ |
| legítimo | /leˈxitimo/ |
| verdadero | /beɾdaˈdeɾo/ |
auténtico and genuino are often used to describe the authenticity of objects or documents. verdadero is typically used to mean 'true' in the sense of reality or sincerity, such as a 'true friend'.
Which one should you use?
While auténtico and genuino often refer to the authenticity of an object or a document, verdadero is more commonly used to mean 'true' in the sense of truthfulness or reality (for example, 'un verdadero amigo', a true friend).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries like Mexico and Argentina, original is used as an informal synonym for 'genuine'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. For example, genuino becomes genuina for feminine nouns, genuinos for masculine plural nouns and genuinas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/xeˈnwino/
Did you know?
- The word auténtico traces back to the Greek word authéntēs, which originally described a perpetrator or a ruler acting on their own authority.
- While genuino exists, Spanish speakers frequently use auténtico to describe traditional food or cultural experiences to signal they are the 'real deal'.
Examples in context
- ¿Es auténtico el informe?Is the report genuine?This sentence is useful for asking if a report is genuine using auténtico.Tatoeba #5749449 by arh, translation #5748388 by CM
- Puede que no sea un diamante auténtico.This might not be a genuine diamond.This sentence is useful for stating that a diamond might not be an auténtico diamond.Tatoeba #651683 by Shishir, translation #788247 by hrin
- Creo que se trata de un Picasso auténtico.I believe it is a genuine Picasso.This sentence is useful for expressing a belief that a painting is an auténtico Picasso.Tatoeba #1841352 by marcelostockle, translation #254776 by CC
- El diamante es auténtico.The diamond is genuine.
- Sus palabras eran verdaderas.His words were genuine.
- Es un legítimo representante del gobierno.He is a genuine representative of the government.
- Ella tiene una sonrisa genuina.She has a genuine smile.
- Ese cantante es auténtico, nunca cambia para complacer a otros.That singer is genuine, he never changes to please others.
- Ese producto es original, no es una imitación.That product is genuine, it's not an imitation.
- Me gusta su forma de ser, es muy sincero.I like his way of being, he's very genuine.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are looking at an antique leather bag.
- JavierMira este bolso, parece muy antiguo.Look at this bag, it looks very old.
- Lucía¿Crees que el cuero es genuino?Do you think the leather is genuine?
- JavierSí, tiene un olor muy característico.Yes, it has a very characteristic smell.
- LucíaEntonces es una buena compra, Javier.Then it is a good purchase, Javier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “genuine” translations and entries genuino, auténtico, legítimo, verdadero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries auténtico, genuino, legítimo, verdadero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
