invento
“invento” means “invention” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
invention
Also: make-up / story
📝 In Action
La imprenta fue un invento que cambió el mundo.
A2The printing press was an invention that changed the world.
Eso que dices es un invento tuyo para no ir a trabajar.
B1What you're saying is a story you made up to avoid going to work.
I invent
Also: I make up
📝 In Action
Yo invento historias para mis hijos todas las noches.
A2I make up stories for my children every night.
Siempre invento una excusa cuando no quiero salir.
B1I always make up an excuse when I don't want to go out.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: invento
Question 1 of 2
If you say 'Yo invento un plan', what are you doing?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'invenire', which literally meant 'to come upon' or 'to find'. Over time, it shifted from finding something existing to creating something entirely new.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'invento' always mean a physical gadget?
Not at all! While it often refers to technology, it can also mean a made-up story, a lie, or a creative method for doing something.
What is the difference between 'invento' and 'inventó'?
The accent mark is key! 'Invento' (no accent) means 'I invent' or 'an invention'. 'Inventó' (with an accent) means 'he/she/it invented' in the past.