inventar
/een-ben-TAR/
to invent
To invent (inventar) is to create something entirely new, like a unique gadget.
inventar(verb)
to invent
?creating a new device or process
to design
?creating something original
,to devise
?forming a plan or system
📝 In Action
Thomas Edison inventó la bombilla.
A1Thomas Edison invented the lightbulb.
Quiero inventar una aplicación para aprender idiomas.
A2I want to invent an app for learning languages.
💡 Grammar Points
A Friendly Regular Verb
Inventar follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in 'ar,' which makes it one of the easiest groups to conjugate!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Inventing vs. Discovering
Mistake: "Using 'inventar' for things that already existed."
Correction: Use 'descubrir' (to discover) for things that were already there but hidden, like a new planet or a chemical element. Use 'inventar' for things you create from scratch.
⭐ Usage Tips
Think of an Inventor
To remember this word, think of an 'inventor'—it sounds almost exactly like the English word!
Inventar can also mean to make up a story or a tall tale.
inventar(verb)
to make up
?fabricating a story or excuse
to concoct
?making up a complex lie
,to forge
?faking information
📝 In Action
No me mientas, dejá de inventar excusas.
B1Don't lie to me, stop making up excuses.
Ella inventó una historia fantástica para su sobrino.
B1She made up a fantastic story for her nephew.
⭐ Usage Tips
Positive vs. Negative
This word can be used positively (writing a fiction story) or negatively (telling a lie), just like 'making something up' in English.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
present
imperfect
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: inventar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'inventar' to mean 'telling a lie'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'inventar' a common word?
Yes, it is used frequently in both formal science contexts and in everyday social situations when someone isn't being truthful.
Can I use 'inventar' for 'to make up' a bed?
No. For making a bed, use 'hacer la cama.' 'Inventar' is only for creating things with your mind or hands.