Lael logo

neto means serious — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: January 30, 2026

🌶️ Mexican Slang

neto

adjective • /[NE-to]/

serious

Example:

¿Hablaste en neto?

Were you being serious?

🧠 What does neto mean?

While 'neto' in standard Spanish translates to 'net' or 'pure,' in Mexican slang, it takes on a completely different and significant meaning: 'serious,' 'real,' or 'for real.' When used in this informal context, it emphasizes sincerity, truthfulness, or the genuine nature of a statement or situation. It is often used to convey that something is not a joke, is completely true, or that the speaker is being absolutely earnest. It functions as an interjection or an adverbial phrase to add emphasis to what is being said.

📚 Extra examples

  • ¿En serio te vas a mudar a otro país? ¡Eso es neto!
    Are you really moving to another country? That's serious!
  • Me dijo que había ganado la lotería, pero no le creí, hasta que vi el boleto neto.
    He told me he had won the lottery, but I didn't believe him until I saw the actual ticket.
  • Estaba bromeando, pero mi amigo se lo tomó a pecho. Le dije que era neto.
    I was joking, but my friend took it to heart. I told him I was serious.
  • ¿Vienes a la fiesta? ¡Qué bien! Neto, me da gusto verte.
    Are you coming to the party? Great! Seriously, it's good to see you.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'neto' in standard Spanish means 'net' (as in net profit) or 'pure.' For example, 'ganancia neta' is 'net profit.' The slang usage in Mexico completely shifts its meaning to express seriousness or authenticity.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "neto"

Synonyms: en serio, de verdad, realmente, honestamente, cien por ciento
Opposites: broma, mentira, falso

🔍 See more mexican slang words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'serious' in Spanish?
In standard Spanish, 'serio' or 'seria' is the direct translation for serious. However, for a more informal and emphatic way to say 'serious' or 'for real' in a Mexican context, 'neto' is used.
How do you pronounce 'neto' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is straightforward: NEH-toh. The 'e' in 'ne' is like the 'e' in 'bet,' and the 'o' in 'to' is like the 'o' in 'go.'
How do you use 'neto' in a sentence?
'Neto' is typically used in informal, conversational settings, particularly in Mexico. It can be used as an interjection to emphasize sincerity ('¡Neto!') or as an adjective/adverbial phrase modifying a statement to indicate it is genuine or true ('Es neto que...', 'Lo digo neto').
What is the English translation of 'neto'?
In standard Spanish, 'neto' translates to 'net' or 'pure.' However, in Mexican slang, it means 'serious,' 'real,' 'for real,' or 'honestly.'
Does 'neto' change for gender or number?
When used in its Mexican slang meaning of 'serious' or 'for real,' 'neto' is typically used in its masculine singular form and does not change for gender or number. It functions more as an emphatic particle or adverb.
Is 'neto' common in everyday Spanish?
'Neto' in its slang sense is very common in everyday spoken Spanish within Mexico. It is less likely to be heard or understood in other Spanish-speaking countries, or in formal contexts within Mexico.
Does 'neto' have slang or double meanings?
Yes, in Mexico, 'neto' has a distinct slang meaning ('serious,' 'for real') that differs from its standard Spanish meaning ('net,' 'pure'). This slang usage is its primary and most common application in informal Mexican conversation.
Is 'neto' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
'Neto' is primarily a Mexican slang term. While it has a standard Spanish meaning of 'net' or 'pure' across all Spanish-speaking regions, the slang meaning of 'serious' or 'for real' is largely confined to Mexico and may not be widely understood or used in Spain or other parts of Latin America.

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store