mientas
MYEN-tahs
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
No creo que me mientas, pero necesito pruebas.
B1I don't believe that you are lying to me, but I need proof.
Espero que no mientas a tus padres sobre dónde estuviste.
B2I hope you don't lie to your parents about where you were.
Te ruego que no mientas, la verdad es mejor.
B2I beg you not to lie, the truth is better.
💡 Grammar Points
Subjunctive Trigger
You must use mientas (the special form of the verb) after expressions that show doubt, denial, or emotion about the action, like dudar que (to doubt that) or no creer que (not to believe that).
Irregular Vowel Change
The infinitive is 'mentir' (with 'e'), but in this form, the 'e' changes to 'ie' (mientas). This is a common pattern for many Spanish verbs like preferir (to prefer) and sentir (to feel).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Subjunctive and Indicative
Mistake: "Using the indicative form: *No creo que mientes.*"
Correction: The correct form is *No creo que mientas.* When you express doubt or denial, Spanish requires this special verb form (the Subjunctive) where English usually doesn't.
⭐ Usage Tips
Remember the Base Verb
Always remember that mientas is the 'tú' form of the verb mentir (to lie). If you can conjugate mentir correctly, you can use mientas naturally.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: mientas
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'mientas'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'mientas' related to the word 'mientras' (while)?
No, they sound similar but are completely different words. 'Mientas' is a conjugation of the verb 'mentir' (to lie), while 'mientras' is a conjunction meaning 'while' or 'as long as.'
Why does 'mentir' change its spelling so much?
Many common Spanish verbs follow a pattern where the vowel in the middle of the verb stem changes in the present tense forms. For 'mentir,' the 'e' changes to 'ie' in most of the present tense and subjunctive forms.