mentiroso
/mentiˈɾoso/masculine
The Spanish word for liar is mentiroso. Wiktionary also lists embustero.
Meaning: one who tells lies (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mentiroso | /mentiˈɾoso/ | masculine |
| embustero | /embusˈteɾo/ | masculine |
Both mentiroso and embustero are used to describe someone who tells lies. While mentiroso is the standard, straightforward term for a liar, embustero often implies a person who tells elaborate deceits or tall tales.
Which one should you use?
Mentiroso is the standard word for a liar. In contrast, embustero carries a specific nuance, often referring to someone who tells more elaborate lies or deceits.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes based on gender and number. For males, use mentiroso. For females, use mentirosa. For a group of males or a mixed group, use the masculine plural mentirosos. For a group of females, use the feminine plural mentirosas.
How do you pronounce it?
/mentiˈɾoso/
Did you know?
- Spanish has a specific distinction for 'white lies' called mentiras piadosas, which literally translates to 'pious lies'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling someone a mentiroso playfully during a conversation can be a way of flirting or showing familiarity.
- The word embustero shares a distant linguistic lineage with the English word 'impostor', as both are connected to the concept of deception and false identity.
Examples in context
- Él es un mentiroso.He's a liar.This sentence shows how to use mentiroso to describe a male.Tatoeba #1522789 by marcelostockle, translation #1522255 by erikspen
- Tom es un mentiroso.Tom is a liar.This sentence uses mentiroso to identify a specific person.Tatoeba #2383132 by hayastan, translation #2272822 by CK
- Él es un mal mentiroso.He's a bad liar.This sentence demonstrates the phrase 'bad liar' using mentiroso.Tatoeba #1672054 by marcelostockle, translation #1671919 by Spamster
- No puedo confiar en Carlos. Es un embustero empedernido.I can't trust Carlos, he is a compulsive liar.
- Carlos es un embustero, no le des mucha importancia a lo que dice.Carlos is a liar, don't pay too much attention to what he says.
- 87 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are arguing about a broken vase.
- AlejandroYo no rompí el florero.I didn't break the vase.
- María¡Eres un mentiroso, Alejandro!You are a liar, Alejandro!
- Alejandro¡Lo juro que es verdad!I swear it is true!
- MaríaNo te creo nada.I don't believe you at all.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “liar” translations and entries mentiroso, embustero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries embustero, mentiroso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
