mientes
MEE-en-tes
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Si dices eso, **mientes**.
A2If you say that, you are lying.
No creo que **mientas** sobre algo tan serio.
B1I don't believe that you would lie about something so serious.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'E to IE' Change
In the present tense, the 'e' in the stem of 'mentir' changes to 'ie' (miento, mientes), except for the 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' forms (mentimos, mentís).
Subjunctive Form
When you use 'mientes' in the present subjunctive (mientas), it usually follows a verb expressing doubt, denial, or emotion, like 'Dudo que mientas' (I doubt that you lie).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Stem Change
Mistake: "Tú mentís."
Correction: Tú mientes. Remember the vowel change is key to this verb's identity.
⭐ Usage Tips
Direct Accusation
Using '¡Mientes!' is a very direct and often confrontational way to accuse someone of lying. Be careful how you use it!
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: mientes
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'mientes' is used in the phrase: 'No quiero que me mientas'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'mientes' have two totally different meanings?
This happens when two words from different origins evolve to look and sound exactly the same. One 'mientes' comes from the verb 'to lie' (mentir), and the other 'mientes' is an old plural form of the noun 'mind' (mente).
Is 'mientes' the only way to say 'you lie'?
No, if you are speaking formally to an elder, boss, or stranger, you would use the 'usted' form, which is 'miente' (Usted miente).