en serio
/en ˈseɾjo/
The English slang term "no cap" can be expressed in Spanish using en serio.
In Spanish, you can use several phrases to convey the sentiment of "no cap," which is the intention to emphasize that you are telling the truth and not lying. En serio is an informal phrase used to express "no cap" and translates to "seriously," while palabra is a slang expression used among friends to mean "word" or "for real." Additionally, de verdad is a versatile phrase that can be used formally or informally to mean "for real" or "seriously."
Which one should you use?
While 'no cap' is specific to Gen Z slang, en serio is a standard, neutral way to express the same sentiment of sincerity or seriousness.
How do you pronounce it?
/en ˈseɾjo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying palabra is treated as a verbal contract or a 'word of honor' that is socially binding.
- In some contexts, en serio is used as a sarcastic reaction to something obvious, similar to how an English speaker might say 'no kidding'.
- The word serio shares the same Latin root as the English word 'serious', both descending from the Latin 'sērius' which originally meant 'adjunct' or 'imminent'.
Examples in context
- La comida de este restaurante es realmente deliciosa, no te miento.The food at this restaurant is truly delicious, no cap.
- Ese nuevo videojuego es genial, palabra.That new video game is awesome, no cap.
- En serio, es el mejor de todos.No cap, it's the best of all.
- Te lo digo en serio.I am telling you the truth.
Example conversation
Javier tells Sofía about a crazy thing he saw at the park.
- JavierVi un perro bailando en el parque.I saw a dog dancing in the park.
- Sofía¿Lo dices en serio?Are you serious?
- JavierEn serio, Sofía, no miento.No cap, Sofía, I'm not lying.
- SofíaNo te creo nada.I don't believe you at all.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry en serio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, serio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
