la pura verdad
/la puɾa beɾdad/from spelling rules
The English phrase "no lie" can be expressed in Spanish as la pura verdad.
la pura verdad is an informal expression used as an emphatic particle. It is used to assert that a statement is completely and absolutely true.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "the pure truth".
How do you pronounce it?
/la puɾa beɾdad/
Did you know?
- To signal that they are telling la pura verdad, some Spanish speakers will touch their heart or place a hand on their chest to physically reinforce the sincerity of the statement.
- While la pura verdad is a common way to say 'the whole truth', in many Latin American countries, people use the word firme or firmeza to express that something is 'solid' or 'no lie'.
- While la pura verdad emphasizes honesty, Spanish speakers often use the phrase de verdad as a questioning tag to express disbelief, similar to 'Really?' in English.
Examples in context
- ¡Es, de verdad, la mejor pizza que he probado en mi vida!It's, no lie, the best pizza I've ever tasted!
- Es la pura verdad, no te miento.It's the absolute truth, I'm not lying to you.
- Es la pura verdad, te lo juro.It is the pure truth, I swear to you.
- Lo que dice es la pura verdad.What he is saying is the pure truth.
Example conversation
Alejandro is explaining a misunderstanding to Elena.
- Alejandro¿De verdad no me estás mintiendo?Are you really not lying to me?
- ElenaTe digo la pura verdad, Alejandro.I am telling you the pure truth, Alejandro.
- AlejandroEstá bien, te creo.Fine, I believe you.
- ElenaGracias por confiar en mí.Thanks for trusting me.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
