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auténtico

authentic

adjective ah-oo-TEHN-tee-koh Less Common
Descriptions & Qualities Quality

Origin: From Greek authentikos (original, genuine), via Latin authenticus.

Also means

genuine

Usage Note

Auténtico can precede or follow a noun, but placement shifts emphasis: un auténtico héroe (a true/real hero, intensifying) vs un héroe auténtico (a genuinely authentic hero). It collocates with cuero auténtico (genuine leather), sabor auténtico (authentic taste). The noun is autenticidad (authenticity). Unlike English 'authentic', it is also used informally as an intensifier equivalent to 'a real [something]': ¡es un auténtico desastre!

Examples

"Este bolso es de cuero auténtico."

Natural Translation

This bag is made of genuine leather.

Literal Translation

This bag is of leather authentic

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