ser genuino
/seɾ xenwino/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'keep it real' can be expressed in Spanish as ser genuino. Wiktionary also lists ser auténtico.
Meaning: to be authentic (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| ser genuino | /seɾ xenwino/ (from spelling rules) |
| ser auténtico | /seɾ autentiko/ (from spelling rules) |
Did you know?
- The word auténtico comes from the Greek authéntēs, which not only described a ruler but was also used to refer to a perpetrator of a crime.
- Spanish uses the verb ser for authenticity because it describes an essential, unchanging quality of a person's character.
- While ser genuino is a literal translation, Spanish speakers more naturally use ser uno mismo to convey the spirit of 'keeping it real'.
Examples in context
- Recuerden, señores, en esta compañía siempre debemos mantenernos auténticos.Remember, gentlemen, in this company we must always keep it real.
- Creo que debería mantenerse auténtica y no dejarse influenciar por los demás.I think she should keep it real and not let others influence her.
- Ella siempre intenta ser auténtica.She always tries to keep it real.
- Es importante ser genuino con tus amigos.It is important to keep it real with your friends.
- Él siempre intenta ser genuino con sus amigos.He always tries to be genuine with his friends.
- Es importante ser genuino en las redes sociales.It is important to be genuine on social media.
- Quiero ser genuino en todo lo que hago.I want to be genuine in everything I do.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are discussing personal values during a coffee break.
- DanielElena, ¿crees que es difícil ser genuino hoy en día?Elena, do you think it is difficult to be genuine nowadays?
- ElenaSí, pero para mí es fundamental ser auténtica.Yes, but for me, it is fundamental to be authentic.
- DanielTienes razón, yo también prefiero ser genuino siempre.You are right, I also prefer to always be genuine.
- ElenaEso es lo que hace que una persona sea valiosa.That is what makes a person valuable.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “keep it real” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries auténtico, genuino, ser, CC BY-SA 4.0.
