¿ah, en serio?
/ˈa en ˈseɾjo/word by word
The English phrase "oh for real" can be translated into Spanish as ¿ah, en serio?
This expression is used to express surprise or to ask for confirmation that something is true. While en serio is the standard way to express being "for real" or "seriously," it is slightly more versatile than the English equivalent because it can be used both as a question to confirm a fact and as a statement of disbelief.
Which one should you use?
The phrase ¿en serio? is a more concise and very common way to express the same sentiment in casual conversation by simply dropping the ah. In contrast, ¿De veras? is an informal way to express surprise or disbelief, translating to "really?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
¿en serio? is informal. ¿De veras? is also an informal way to express surprise. The phrase ¿De veras, no me digas? is considered colloquial.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the colloquial phrase ¿De veras, no me digas? is used to say "oh for real".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈa en ˈseɾjo/
Did you know?
- In some regions, people use the word posta to mean 'for real' or 'truthfully', a term derived from the Spanish word for a postal relay station.
- In Spanish, the phrase no me digas literally means 'do not tell me', but it is used as a sarcastic way to say 'you don't say' or 'oh for real' when the speaker already knows the information.
- While ¿en serio? is used globally, the alternative ¿de veras? is much more common in Mexico and Latin America than in Spain, where it can sound slightly old-fashioned.
Examples in context
- ¿Sabías que Juan recibió una beca para estudiar en el extranjero? ¡De verdad! Eso es increíble, felicítalo de mi parte.Did you know that Juan got a scholarship to study abroad? Oh for real! That's incredible, please congratulate him on my behalf.
- El nuevo presidente anunció medidas para mejorar la economía del país. ¿En serio? Esperemos que funcione.The new president announced measures to improve the country's economy. Oh for real? Let's hope it works.
- Gané la lotería ayer. ¿En serio? ¡No me lo puedo creer!I won the lottery yesterday. Oh for real? I can't believe it!
- Juan y María se casaron el fin de semana pasado. ¿De veras? Pensé que se iban a esperar un poco más.Juan and María got married last weekend. Oh for real? I thought they were going to wait a bit longer.
- Hoy vi a Pedro trabajando de mesero. ¿De veras, no me digas? Pensé que tenía un trabajo diferente.Today I saw Pedro working as a waiter. Oh for real? I thought he had a different job.
- ¿Ah, en serio?Oh, for real?
- No lo puedo creer. ¿Ah, en serio?I can't believe it. Oh, for real?
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are talking about a surprise party.
- MaríaMañana es la fiesta de cumpleaños de Juan.Tomorrow is Juan's birthday party.
- Alejandro¿Ah, en serio? No sabía que era mañana.Oh, for real? I didn't know it was tomorrow.
- MaríaSí, todos vamos a ir a su casa.Yes, we are all going to his house.
- AlejandroPerfecto, entonces yo llevo el pastel.Perfect, then I will bring the cake.
