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neta means truth / seriously — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: July 3, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

neta

noun • /[NEH-tah]/

truth / seriously

Example:

¿Neta? No lo sabía.

Seriously? I didn’t know.

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🧠 What does neta mean?

Neta is a versatile Mexican slang word used to express truth, seriousness, or disbelief. It can function as an affirmation, question, or exclamation, similar to "really?", "seriously?", "the truth", or "for real" in English. While its literal translation is close to "truth", its usage is far more nuanced and colloquial.

📚 Extra examples

  • ¿Neta? ¡No lo puedo creer!
    Really? I can't believe it!
  • Te digo la neta, no me gusta ese restaurante.
    I'm telling you the truth, I don't like that restaurant.
  • No es neta, ¿verdad?
    No way, really?
  • Es neta que ganó la lotería.
    It's true that he won the lottery.
  • La neta es que no sé qué hacer.
    The truth is, I don't know what to do.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'truth / seriously' in Spanish?
While 'verdad' and 'en serio' are common translations for 'truth' and 'seriously,' 'neta' offers a more colloquial and emphatic option, especially in Mexican Spanish.
How do you pronounce 'neta' in Spanish?
It's pronounced 'NEH-tah,' with the emphasis on the first syllable.
How do you use 'neta' in a sentence?
You can use 'neta' on its own as a question ('¿Neta?'), as part of a phrase ('la neta,' 'de neta,' 'no es neta'), or within a sentence ('Es neta que...') to emphasize truthfulness or disbelief.
What is the English translation of 'neta'?
While it literally translates to 'truth,' it’s closer in meaning and usage to 'really,' 'seriously,' 'for real,' 'no way,' or 'the truth' depending on the context.
Does 'neta' change for gender or number?
No, 'neta' remains the same regardless of gender or number.
Is 'neta' common in everyday Spanish?
It is very common in everyday Mexican Spanish but less frequent in other Spanish-speaking regions.
Does 'neta' have slang or double meanings?
While considered slang, 'neta' has a consistent meaning related to truth and seriousness. It doesn’t possess any widely recognized double meanings.
Is 'neta' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
'Neta' is primarily Mexican slang. While it might be understood in other Latin American countries due to cultural exchange, it's not commonly used. It's almost never heard in Spain.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "neta"

Synonyms: verdad, en serio, de veras
Opposites: mentira, falso

💡 Did You Know?

While 'neta' translates to 'target' in some contexts, its Mexican slang usage meaning 'truth' is far more prevalent in informal conversations.

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