mentiroso
/men-tee-ROH-so/
lying
When someone is described as mentiroso (lying), it refers to their dishonest nature.
mentiroso(adjective)
lying
?describing a person's nature
,untruthful
?describing a statement or account
deceitful
?describing behavior or character
📝 In Action
Su excusa era tan mentirosa que nadie le creyó.
B1His excuse was so untruthful that nobody believed him.
El informe parecía mentiroso y lleno de errores.
B2The report seemed misleading and full of errors.
💡 Grammar Points
Matching Gender
As an adjective, 'mentiroso' must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes. Use 'mentiroso' for masculine things and 'mentirosa' for feminine things.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Gender Change
Mistake: "Ella es mentiroso."
Correction: Ella es mentirosa. (You must match the 'a' ending to the female subject 'Ella'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Ser
This adjective describes a permanent trait, so it almost always pairs with the verb 'ser' (to be): 'Mi jefe es mentiroso' (My boss is a lying person).
A mentiroso is a person who habitually tells lies (a liar).
📝 In Action
¡No le creas! Es un mentiroso.
A1Don't believe him! He is a liar.
Mi hijo dijo que no era un mentiroso, pero tenía chocolate en la cara.
A2My son said he wasn't a liar, but he had chocolate on his face.
💡 Grammar Points
The Female Liar
If you are referring to a woman, the noun changes to 'la mentirosa.' The concept is the same, but the word must match her gender.
⭐ Usage Tips
Strong Language
Calling someone a 'mentiroso' is quite direct and often used in arguments or serious accusations. Use 'mentir' (to lie) for the action, and 'mentiroso' for the person.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: mentiroso
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'mentiroso' as an adjective?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I say 'little white lie'?
The common Spanish phrase for a 'little white lie' or a harmless untruth is 'una mentira piadosa' (literally, a pious lie or merciful lie).
Is 'mentiroso' very offensive?
It is a direct accusation, so it can be offensive, especially if used seriously. However, it can also be used playfully among close friends or family, depending on the tone.