mito
/MEE-toh/
myth
A traditional story, often featuring gods or heroes, is a mito.
📝 In Action
Los mitos griegos son fascinantes, especialmente el de Ícaro.
B1Greek myths are fascinating, especially the one about Icarus.
Estudiamos el mito fundacional de su cultura en la clase de historia.
B2We studied the foundational myth of their culture in history class.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Reminder
Even though it ends in '-o', 'mito' is masculine, so always use 'el mito' or 'un mito'.
When you believe something that isn't true, it's a mito.
mito(noun)
myth
?false belief or misconception
,misconception
?widely held error
fallacy
?untrue statement
📝 In Action
Es un mito que el dinero da la felicidad; la realidad es más compleja.
B2It is a myth that money brings happiness; the reality is more complex.
Tenemos que desmentir el mito de que aprender un idioma es difícil.
C1We have to debunk the myth that learning a language is difficult.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'es un mito'
This phrase is a quick way to reject a claim. You often follow it with 'que' and a verb in the indicative mood if you state a fact, or the subjunctive if you express doubt or a wish.
A highly famous and admired person is considered a mito.
mito(noun)
legend
?a person who is highly admired or famous
,icon
?a revered figure
idol
?a celebrity or hero
📝 In Action
Ese cantante es un mito viviente de la música latina.
C1That singer is a living legend of Latin music.
El director de cine se convirtió en un mito después de su tercera película.
C2The film director became an icon after his third movie.
⭐ Usage Tips
Figurative Use
When 'mito' refers to a person, it means they are so famous or successful that they are almost legendary, not just a regular celebrity.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: mito
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'mito' to mean a false or incorrect belief?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Es 'mito' siempre masculino?
Sí, 'mito' es siempre un sustantivo masculino, por lo que siempre decimos 'el mito' o 'un mito', sin importar si se refiere a una persona o a una historia.
How do I say 'mythological'?
The adjective form is 'mítico' (MEE-tee-koh). For example, 'una criatura mítica' (a mythical creature).