mentira
/menˈtiɾa/
The Spanish word mentira means.
mentira is a noun meaning a lie. It can also be used as an interjection, ¡Mentira!, to immediately call out a lie or call someone a liar. While mentira is the noun, note that mentir is the corresponding verb meaning.
Which one should you use?
mentira is a noun meaning 'a lie', whereas mentir is the verb meaning 'to lie'. If you want to use a more formal term to emphasize the falseness of a statement, you can use falsedad. For a formal alternative that conveys the idea of deceit or deception, you can use engaño.
How does it change in a sentence?
mentira is a feminine noun and can be pluralized as mentiras.
How do you pronounce it?
/menˈtiɾa/
Did you know?
- If someone tells a blatant lie, a Spanish speaker might say no me vendas la moto, which literally means 'don't sell me the motorcycle'.
- While mentira is the noun for 'lie', the phrase cuento chino (Chinese story) is often used to describe a lie that is an elaborate or unbelievable fabrication.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the phrase mentira is used colloquially to mean 'no way' or 'you're kidding' when someone is surprised, even if they don't actually think the speaker is lying.
Examples in context
- Le dije una mentirilla piadosa para no lastimarlo.I told him a little white lie to avoid hurting him.
- No me digas mentiras.Don't tell me lies.
- Eso es una mentira total.That is a total lie.
- No me digas esa mentira.Don't tell me that lie.
- Su historia es una mentira.His story is a lie.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are talking about a rumor they heard.
- Javier¿Es verdad lo que dicen?Is what they are saying true?
- ElenaNo, es una mentira.No, it is a lie.
- JavierQué alivio, Elena.What a relief, Elena.
- ElenaSí, no te preocupes.Yes, don't worry.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry mentira, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
