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How to Say "minds" in Spanish

English → Spanish

mentes

MEN-tehsˈmen.tes

nounA2general
Use 'mentes' when referring to the plural of 'mente,' meaning intellects, brains, or consciousnesses, often in a more abstract or collective sense.
Two stylized figures standing side-by-side, each having a large, bright thought bubble floating above their head, symbolizing active minds.

Examples

Las mentes brillantes cambiaron el mundo.

Brilliant minds changed the world.

Necesitamos abrir nuestras mentes a nuevas ideas.

We need to open our minds to new ideas.

Hay dos mentes trabajando en este proyecto.

There are two minds working on this project.

Feminine Noun Rule

Even though many Spanish words ending in '-e' can be masculine (like 'el coche'), 'mente' is always feminine. So, remember to use 'las mentes' or 'unas mentes'.

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “Los mentes están abiertas.”

Correction: Las mentes están abiertas. (Always use the feminine article 'las'.)

mientes

MEE-en-tes/ˈmjen̪t̪es/

noun (plural)C1general
Use 'mientes' specifically in the idiomatic expression 'tener en mientes,' which means 'to bear in mind' or 'to keep in mind.'
Three stylized human head profiles lined up, each with a different symbolic thought bubble (a lightbulb, a music note, and a geometric shape) floating above it, representing multiple minds.

Examples

Tenga en mientes que la fecha límite es mañana.

Bear in mind that the deadline is tomorrow.

Tenga en **mientes** que la fecha límite es mañana.

Bear in mind that the deadline is tomorrow.

Es importante tener en **mientes** la seguridad de todos.

It is important to keep everyone's safety in mind.

Fixed Phrase Usage

This noun form is almost always encountered as part of the fixed phrase 'tener en mientes', meaning 'to remember' or 'to consider'. Do not try to use it as a standalone plural noun for 'mind' (use 'mentes').

Mixing the Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Él mientes (He minds).”

Correction: This is incorrect. The verb 'mientes' means 'you lie'. If you need the noun, stick to the fixed phrase 'tener en mientes'.

cuida

/kwee-dah//ˈkwi.ða/

verb (conjugated form)A1general
Use 'cuida' when the English 'minds' is actually part of the phrase 'minds' or 'takes care of,' referring to the act of looking after someone or something.
A small girl carefully pouring water from a miniature watering can onto a bright yellow potted sunflower, illustrating the act of caring for a plant.

Examples

Mi hermana cuida a mi perro mientras estoy de viaje.

My sister takes care of my dog while I am traveling.

Usted cuida mucho su jardín, se ve hermoso.

You (formal) take great care of your garden; it looks beautiful.

El gobierno no cuida los recursos naturales.

The government does not protect natural resources.

Identifying the Subject

When you see 'cuida,' the person performing the action must be singular: 'he,' 'she,' or 'usted' (formal 'you'). The subject is often left out if it's clear from context.

Confusing 'cuidar' and 'mirar'

Mistake: “Using 'cuida' when you mean 'watches' or 'sees' (Mira la televisión).”

Correction: Use 'cuida' only for the sense of care or responsibility (Cuida a los niños).

Confusing 'mentes' and 'mientes'

Learners often confuse 'mentes' and 'mientes' because they sound similar. Remember that 'mentes' is the general plural of 'mind,' while 'mientes' is almost exclusively used in the phrase 'tener en mientes' (to bear in mind).

Related Translations

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