mantente real
/mantente ɾeal/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'stay real' can be translated into Spanish as mantente real.
This phrase is used as an encouraging expression to tell someone to remain true to their own personality and values. While mantente real is used, it is very common in Spanish to use the word auténtico/a instead of 'real' to express the idea of being true to oneself, such as in mantente auténtico/a.
Which one should you use?
While mantente real expresses the sentiment, other variations exist depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance desired. For example, Sigue siendo tú mismo/a means 'keep being yourself' and Permanezca fiel a usted mismo/a means 'remain true to yourself'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the phrase sé auténtico/a is used to express the sentiment of 'stay real'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing the idea of being true to oneself, it is common to use the word auténtico/a rather than 'real', as seen in the form mantente auténtico/a.
How do you pronounce it?
/mantente ɾeal/
Did you know?
- Because real also means 'royal', the phrase mantente real could be jokingly interpreted as a command to 'stay regal' or 'act like royalty'.
- While mantente real is understood, using real to mean 'authentic' is a relatively modern influence from English urban slang.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, authenticity is often tied to the concept of ser natural, meaning to be 'natural' rather than 'real'.
Examples in context
- Manténgase auténtico/a, señor García. Esa es una cualidad admirable.Stay real, Mr. García. That is an admirable quality.
- Como consejo, le digo que permanezca fiel a usted mismo/a en todo momento.As advice, I tell you to remain true to yourself at all times.
- Oye, amigo, siempre mantente auténtico.Hey, buddy, always stay real.
- No importa lo que digan, sigue siendo tú misma.No matter what they say, keep being yourself.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about dealing with fame.
- SofíaTengo miedo de olvidar quién soy.I'm afraid of forgetting who I am.
- AlejandroNo permitas que eso pase, mantente real.Don't let that happen, stay real.
- SofíaGracias, Alejandro, lo intentaré.Thanks, Alejandro, I'll try.
- AlejandroTú puedes, Sofía.You can do it, Sofía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
