real
/reˈal/
The Spanish word for royal is real.
The word real is an adjective used to describe something or someone that relates to a monarch or a royal family.
Meaning: of or relating to a monarch or his family (adj)
Which one should you use?
Be careful with the English word 'real', as real is a false friend. In Spanish, real can mean both 'royal' and 'real/actual'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective real is gender-neutral, so it remains real whether it is describing a masculine or feminine noun. To describe a plural noun, change the form to reales.
How do you pronounce it?
/reˈal/
Did you know?
- The word real can refer to a former Spanish silver coin known as the 'real'.
- In Spain, the Real Sociedad is a famous football club that carries the 'royal' title as an official honor granted by the monarchy.
- The Spanish word real is a cognate of the English word 'regal'. Both words trace their lineage back to the Latin 'rēx', meaning 'king'.
Examples in context
- La boda real fue un evento magnífico.The royal wedding was a magnificent occasion.This sentence shows how to use real to describe a royal wedding.Tatoeba #1923343 by marcelostockle, translation #49458 by CM
- El matrimonio real fue un gran espectáculo.The royal wedding was a great spectacle.This sentence uses real in the context of a royal marriage.Tatoeba #1388683 by Shishir, translation #25613 by jakov
- Esta tierra le pertenece a la familia real.This land belongs to the Royal Family.This sentence demonstrates how to use real when referring to the Royal Family.Tatoeba #2721667 by marcelostockle, translation #57678 by papabear
- La familia real vive en el palacio.The royal family lives in the palace.
- El baile fue en un salón de estilo regio.The dance was held in a grand ballroom.
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are visiting a museum of history.
- LucíaMira ese palacio real, es impresionante.Look at that royal palace, it's impressive.
- MateoSí, los jardines también son hermosos.Yes, the gardens are also beautiful.
- Lucía¿Sabes quién vive en la casa real?Do you know who lives in the royal house?
- MateoCreo que ahora es un museo.I think it is a museum now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry real, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries real, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
