Inklingo

How to Say "brought up" in Spanish

English → Spanish

criado

/kree-AH-doh//kriˈa.do/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'criado' as an adjective to describe how or where a person was raised, focusing on their upbringing and environment.
A colorful illustration depicting a tall adult figure holding the hand of a small child as they walk together on a sunny, grassy path, symbolizing guidance and upbringing.

Examples

Fui criado en el campo, por eso amo la naturaleza.

I was raised in the countryside, that's why I love nature.

Los cachorros fueron criados sin su madre.

The puppies were raised without their mother.

Ella es una mujer muy bien criada, con excelentes modales.

She is a very well brought up woman, with excellent manners.

The 'Be' of Origin

When criado is used as an adjective describing how someone was raised, it usually pairs with the verb ser (to be) or estar (to be) to describe a permanent state or condition.

Gender/Number Agreement

Mistake: “Usando 'criado' para una mujer o un grupo: 'Ella fue criado.'”

Correction: Always make sure the ending matches the person or thing being described: 'Ella fue criada' (feminine) or 'Ellos fueron criados' (plural).

mencionó

men-syo-NOH/mensjoˈno/

verbA2general
Use 'mencionó' (preterite tense of 'mencionar') when referring to someone having brought up or mentioned a specific topic, subject, or idea.
A colorful illustration showing a young woman speaking to a man and gesturing toward a single red apple on a table, illustrating the act of mentioning something.

Examples

Ella mencionó el plan durante la cena.

She mentioned the plan during dinner.

El presidente mencionó que las negociaciones terminaron.

The president mentioned that the negotiations had finished.

Usted mencionó la necesidad de más tiempo, ¿correcto?

You mentioned the need for more time, correct?

The Simple Past (Preterite)

This form is used for actions that happened once and were completed at a specific time in the past. Think of it as a finished event, like 'The show started' or 'She mentioned it.'

Who Did the Action?

'Mencionó' can refer to three subjects: 'él' (he), 'ella' (she), or 'usted' (the formal way of saying 'you'). Context usually tells you which one.

Preterite vs. Imperfect

Mistake: “Using 'mencionaba' (imperfect) when you mean a single, finished mention.”

Correction: Use 'mencionó' for a one-time event ('He mentioned it yesterday'). Use 'mencionaba' only for descriptions or repeated actions in the past ('He used to mention it often').

Upbringing vs. Mentioning

Learners often confuse 'criado' (raised/upbringing) with verbs like 'mencionó' (mentioned). Remember, 'criado' describes a person's childhood environment, while 'mencionó' is about introducing a topic into a discussion.

Related Translations

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