realidad
/realiˈdad/feminine
The English word 'reality' is translated into Spanish as realidad.
realidad refers to the entirety of all that is real. You can use it in various common expressions, such as realidad virtual for 'virtual reality' or la cruda realidad to describe the raw or harsh reality of a situation. To express an alternative reality or a different perspective, you might use the phrase otra visión de las cosas, which means 'another view of things'.
Meaning: entirety of all that is real (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
realidad is a feminine noun. Because of this, it is used with the feminine definite article la to form la realidad (the reality). The plural form of the word is realidades.
How do you pronounce it?
/realiˈdad/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful not to confuse the noun with the adjective. English speakers sometimes mistakenly use the adjective real (real) when they actually intend to use the noun realidad (reality).
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word real can also mean 'royal' when referring to something belonging to a king or queen. For example, la familia real translates to 'the royal family'.
- Spanish has a specific philosophical term realismo mágico or 'magical realism', a literary genre where fantastic elements are treated as a normal realidad.
- Spanish speakers often use the phrase en realidad to mean 'actually' or 'in fact', even when the statement is not about the nature of existence.
Examples in context
- La realidad es hermosa.Reality is beautiful.This sentence uses realidad to describe the nature of reality.Tatoeba #10025129 by manufrutos, translation #8777249 by shekitten
- Debes enfrentar la realidad.You should face reality.This sentence uses realidad in the context of facing truth.Tatoeba #1387000 by marcelostockle, translation #239606 by CK
- Su sueño se ha hecho realidad.His dream has become a reality.This sentence uses realidad to describe a dream becoming a reality.Tatoeba #537247 by Leono, translation #287578 by CK
- El estudio de la física nos permite comprender la realidad que nos rodea.The study of physics enables us to understand the reality that surrounds us.
- Me encanta soñar despierto, pero ahora necesito enfrentar los problemas del mundo real.I love daydreaming, but now I need to face real-world problems.
- Todos tienen su propia realidad y deberíamos respetar otras visiones de las cosas.Everyone has their own reality, and we should respect other views of things.
- Ya es hora de que aceptemos la cruda realidad y tomemos medidas para solucionar este problema.It is time we accept the harsh reality and take steps to solve this problem.
- Los avances tecnológicos permiten vivir experiencias increíbles en la realidad virtual.Technological advancements allow us to have incredible experiences in virtual reality.
- 101 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are talking about a futuristic movie.
- MateoEsa película no refleja la realidad.That movie does not reflect reality.
- ElenaTienes razón, es demasiado fantástica.You are right, it is too fantastic.
- MateoMe pregunto si algún día será realidad.I wonder if it will be reality one day.
- ElenaNo lo creo, Mateo.I don't think so, Mateo.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “reality” translations and entries realidad, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
