mentiras
/mentiɾas/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for "lies" is mentiras.
Mentiras refers to false statements made with the intention to deceive. To express the act of telling lies, you use the verb decir (to say or tell).
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of mentiras is mentira.
How do you pronounce it?
/mentiɾas/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often try to use the verb hacer (to make) with mentiras, but you should instead use the verb mentir (to lie) or the phrase decir mentiras.
Did you know?
- To describe a 'barefaced lie' or an obvious falsehood, Spanish speakers use the phrase mentira descarada. The word descarada literally means 'without a face', implying the liar has no shame.
- In Spanish, you might hear the expression mentira piadosa, which translates literally to a 'pious lie'. This is the common way to describe what English speakers call a 'white lie'.
- The word mentiroso (liar) is frequently used as a playful or flirtatious tease in romantic contexts in Spain and Latin America, rather than as a harsh accusation.
Examples in context
- Él no dice mentiras.He doesn't tell lies.This sentence shows how to negate the action of telling mentiras.Tatoeba #1174046 by marcelostockle, translation #1173823 by CK
- Él sabe decir mentiras.He knows how to tell lies.This sentence demonstrates the ability to tell mentiras.Tatoeba #1752628 by marcelostockle, translation #1752062 by Amastan
- Fred siempre dice mentiras.Fred is always telling lies.This sentence describes someone who is always telling mentiras.Tatoeba #1491977 by marcelostockle, translation #34081 by CN
- El informe reveló una red de engaños en la compañía.The report revealed a network of lies in the company.
- No me engañes con tus mentiritas.Don't deceive me with your little lies.
- No te creas todas sus patrañasDon't believe all of their lies.
- Deja de contar embustes y dime la verdadStop telling lies and tell me the truth.
- 48 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are discussing a person they do not trust.
- DanielÉl solo dice mentiras.He only tells lies.
- ElenaLo sé, Daniel. Sus mentiras son terribles.I know, Daniel. His lies are terrible.
- Daniel¿Crees que nos engañó?Do you think he deceived us?
- ElenaSeguro que sí.I am sure he did.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
