menta
/ˈmenta/feminine
The English word 'mint' (the plant) is translated into Spanish as menta. Wiktionary also lists hierba buena.
Meaning: plant (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| menta | /ˈmenta/ | feminine |
| hierba buena | /ˌʝeɾba ˈbwena/ | feminine |
Related to this, you may see the term menta verde or simply menta used to describe the color mint.
Which one should you use?
The most common form is menta, but you can also use hierba buena to refer to the plant.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, the term poleo is used to refer to mint or spearmint.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Both menta and hierba buena are feminine nouns. Related verbs for the action of reproducing coins include acuñar, troquelar and batir.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmenta/
When do people say it?
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, asking if someone wants agüita de menta is a common way to offer a soothing herbal tea after a meal.
Did you know?
- The term hierba buena literally translates to 'good grass', which serves as the linguistic opposite of mala hierba, the Spanish term for a weed.
- Offering agüita de menta is a cultural gesture of hospitality and care used to aid digestion after a meal.
- In some regions, hierba buena is preferred over menta specifically when referring to the fresh herb used in cooking rather than a candy flavor.
Examples in context
- ¿Qué quiere usted después de la comida, café, té o agüita de menta?What would you like after dinner? Coffee, tea, or mint water?This sentence shows how to offer a soothing mint infusion using the form menta.Tatoeba #2259881 by cueyayotl, translation #2259880 by _undertoad
- La menta no crece aquí.Mint doesn't grow here.This sentence uses the form menta to describe the growth of the plant.Tatoeba #12033767 by Ahha, translation #12033587 by Ahha
- Me gusta comer helado de chocolate y menta.I like to eat chocolate mint ice cream.This sentence uses the form menta to describe a flavor in ice cream.Tatoeba #8741083 by Solana, translation #8740956 by Solana
- En la preparación del té, es recomendable utilizar hierbabuena fresca.In tea preparation, it is recommended to use fresh mint.
- ¿Quieres probar esta mentita? Es muy refrescante.Do you want to try this mint? It's very refreshing.
- Me gusta mucho el poleo en mis bebidas. Le da un toque fresco.I really like spearmint in my drinks. It adds a fresh touch.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are preparing a refreshing summer drink in the kitchen.
- DanielElena, ¿tienes menta para el té?Elena, do you have mint for the tea?
- ElenaSí, tengo un poco en la nevera.Yes, I have a little in the fridge.
- DanielPerfecto, la menta le queda muy bien.Perfect, the mint goes very well with it.
- ElenaEs verdad, Daniel, será muy refrescante.It's true, Daniel, it will be very refreshing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mint” translations and entries menta, hierba buena, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hierba, hierba buena, menta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
