bugiardo
/buˈd͡ʒar.do/masculine
The English word liar is translated into Italian as bugiardo or mentitore.
Meaning: one who tells lies (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bugiardo | /buˈd͡ʒar.do/ | masculine |
| mentitore | masculine |
Both terms refer to a person who tells lies.
Which one should you use?
bugiardo is the more common, everyday word for a liar, whereas mentitore sounds slightly more formal or literary.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of bugiardo is bugiarda. The feminine form of mentitore is mentitrice.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable. The IPA pronunciation is /buˈdʒar.do/.
Did you know?
- The word mentitore comes from the Latin mentior, which is also the root of the English word 'mendacious'.
- The suffix -tore in mentitore is the same suffix used for professions, such as attore (actor) or scrittore (writer), effectively framing the act of lying as a 'profession'.
- While bugiardo is the common term, the word bugia for 'lie' is distinct from the verb mentire. An Italian might say dire una bugia (tell a lie) but they would not say bugiare.
Examples in context
- Lui è un bugiardo.He's a liar.This sentence is useful for practicing the masculine form bugiardo in a simple statement.Tatoeba #1522281 by Guybrush88, translation #1522255 by erikspen
- Tom è un bugiardo.Tom is a liar.This sentence is useful for practicing the masculine form bugiardo with a specific name.Tatoeba #2611936 by Guybrush88, translation #2272822 by CK
- Lei è un bugiardo.You are a liar.Tatoeba #2792280 by Guybrush88, translation #2197116 by muatik
- Quando ha detto di essere malato, tutti sapevano che era un bugiardo.When he said he was sick, everyone knew he was a liar.
- 128 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Martina are arguing about a secret.
- MatteoHai detto che non sapevi nulla!You said you didn't know anything!
- MartinaNon è vero, mi hai capito male.That's not true, you misunderstood me.
- MatteoSei proprio un bugiardo, Matteo!You are such a liar, Matteo!
- MartinaSmettila di accusarmi senza prove.Stop accusing me without proof.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “liar” translations and entries bugiardo, mentitore, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bugiardo, mentitore, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
