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How to Say "mental" in Spanish

English → Spanish

mental

men-TAHL/menˈtal/

adjectiveA2general
Use this when referring to something related to the mind in a general way, often implying a need for a break or a pause from thinking.
A simple blue silhouette of a human head shown in profile. Inside the head, a bright yellow abstract shape glows brightly, representing mental activity or thought.

Examples

Necesito tomar un descanso mental después de estudiar tanto.

I need to take a mental break after studying so much.

La salud mental es tan importante como la salud física.

Mental health is as important as physical health.

El doctor evaluó su estado mental antes de darle el alta.

The doctor evaluated his mental state before discharging him.

Always Agrees in Number

Since 'mental' ends in 'l', it is one of those adjectives that stays the same whether the noun is masculine or feminine (e.g., 'el esfuerzo mental', 'la fatiga mental'). You only need to make it plural: 'mentales'.

mentales

/men-TAH-les//menˈtales/

adjectiveB1general
This plural form is used when referring to activities or exercises specifically designed to engage or improve the brain's thinking or cognitive functions.
A simple storybook illustration of a person sitting peacefully with a glowing, colorful light emanating from their head, representing thoughts and the mind.

Examples

Los ejercicios mentales son buenos para el cerebro.

Mental exercises are good for the brain.

Debemos cuidar nuestros estados mentales.

We must take care of our mental states.

Ella hace cálculos mentales muy rápido.

She does mental math very quickly.

One word for everyone

In Spanish, words ending in '-al' like 'mental' don't change for 'boy' or 'girl' nouns. Since this is the plural version, 'mentales' works for both 'los' and 'las'.

Plural Matching

Because we are talking about more than one thing, we add '-es' to 'mental' to make it 'mentales'. It must match the plural noun it describes.

Adding just an 's'

Mistake: “los problemas mentals”

Correction: los problemas mentales

intelectual

/een-teh-lek-too-AHL//intelekˈtual/

adjectiveB1general
Choose this when you want to emphasize the cognitive, reasoning, or analytical aspect of thought processes, often associated with higher-level thinking or academic pursuits.
A glowing lightbulb floating above a silhouette of a person's head, representing a bright idea.

Examples

La lectura es un gran ejercicio intelectual.

Reading is a great intellectual exercise.

Debemos proteger la propiedad intelectual de los artistas.

We must protect the intellectual property of artists.

El ajedrez es un juego muy intelectual.

Chess is a very intellectual game.

One Form for All

This word is the same for both men and women. You don't need to change the ending to 'a'—just say 'el reto intelectual' or 'la capacidad intelectual'.

Don't confuse with 'inteligente'

Mistake: “Using 'intelectual' when you just mean someone is smart.”

Correction: Use 'inteligente' for general brain power, and 'intelectual' for things involving deep study or academic thought.

General vs. Specific Mental Activity

Learners often confuse 'mental' and 'mentales' by using 'mental' for all contexts related to the mind. Remember that 'mental' is often used for a general need for a break, while 'mentales' is more specific to brain exercises or activities that strengthen cognitive skills.

Related Translations

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