sincero
/sinˈθeɾo/
The Spanish word for sincere is sincero.
sincero is an adjective used to describe someone's character or a statement's truthfulness. It is distinct from honesto, which focuses more on adherence to moral principles and law. If you wish to use the noun form to say "sincerity", use sinceridad.
Meaning: earnest (adj)
Is it said differently in some regions?
The expression De verdad te lo digo is used in Spain to convey sincerity.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, sincero must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, using the feminine form sincera for feminine nouns. The adjective takes the masculine plural form sinceros when modifying a masculine plural noun or a mixed-gender group. The adjective takes the feminine plural form sinceras when modifying a feminine plural noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/sinˈθeɾo/
Did you know?
- If someone is being 'too sincere' in a way that causes offense, a Spaniard might describe them as sin pelos en la lengua, which literally means 'without hairs on the tongue'.
- The Latin ancestor of sincero, which was sincērus, originally meant 'pure' or 'unmixed' in a physical sense. This connects the idea of a sincere person to someone whose feelings are not 'diluted' or 'adulterated' by ulterior motives.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, being too sincero can be seen as lacking tacto or social grace, leading people to use softer phrases to avoid being blunt.
Examples in context
- No creo que Tom fuera sincero.I don't think Tom was being sincere.This sentence illustrates the use of sincero to describe a person's truthfulness.Tatoeba #6882972 by diegohn, translation #6661060 by CK
- Soy afortunado de tener amigos sinceros.I'm lucky to have sincere friends.This sentence shows how to use sincero when describing a group of people.Tatoeba #1331912 by marcelostockle, translation #1331911 by Scott
- Ponemos énfasis en la importancia de ser sincero.We lay emphasis on the importance of being sincere.This sentence demonstrates the use of sincero regarding the quality of being earnest.Tatoeba #507102 by Leono, translation #28864 by AlanF_US
- Le envío un cordial y sincero saludoI send you a warm and sincere greeting.
- Agradezco sinceramente su participación honestaI sincerely appreciate your honest contribution.
- Le doy las gracias de corazón por su colaboraciónI sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart for your cooperation.
- ¡Te lo digo de veras!I'm telling you sincerely!
- ¡Lo siento de verdad!I'm truly sorry!
- Te lo agradezco en serioI genuinely appreciate it.
- De verdad te lo digo, me encanta tu nueva casaI sincerely tell you, I love your new house.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are discussing a recommendation from a colleague.
- Daniel¿Crees que su consejo es sincero?Do you think his advice is sincere?
- LucíaSí, Daniel, él siempre es muy sincero.Yes, Daniel, he is always very sincere.
- DanielMe alegra saber eso.I am happy to know that.
- LucíaPuedes confiar en su palabra.You can trust his word.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sincere” translations and entries sincero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sincero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
