Inklingo

How to Say "names" in Spanish

English → Spanish

nombres

NOHM-bres/ˈnom.bɾes/

nounA1general
Use this word when referring to the actual personal or given names of people.
A simple storybook illustration showing three distinct children standing in a row, each with unique features, representing separate personal identities or names.

Examples

Necesito los nombres y apellidos de todos los asistentes.

I need the names and surnames of all the attendees.

Hay muchos nombres famosos en la historia de la música.

There are many famous names in the history of music.

¿Puedes recordar los nombres de todos los planetas?

Can you remember the names of all the planets?

Always Masculine

Even though 'nombre' can refer to a woman or a girl, it is always a masculine word. Use the article 'los' (los nombres) when it is plural.

Confusing First and Last Name

Mistake: “Using 'nombres' when you specifically mean 'last names'.”

Correction: Use 'apellidos' (surnames/last names) if you only want the family name. 'Nombres' usually refers to first names or both first and last names together.

menciona

/men-SYOH-nah//menˈsjo.na/

verbA2general
Use this word when you mean 'mentions' or 'lists' a specific person or thing by name, referring to the action of speaking about them.
A person pointing to a picture of a friend while talking to a group.

Examples

Ella menciona tu nombre a menudo.

She mentions your name often.

Menciona tres cosas que te gustan.

Mention three things that you like.

Él siempre menciona el mismo problema.

He always brings up the same problem.

Two Roles for 'Menciona'

This word works double duty: it's used to say what someone else is doing right now (He mentions) AND as a friendly command to someone you know well (Mention!).

Talking to 'Usted'

If you are being formal with someone, don't use 'menciona' for a command. Instead, use 'mencione' to be polite.

Confusing 'Menciona' and 'Menciono'

Mistake: “Yo menciona el libro.”

Correction: Say 'Yo menciono el libro' (I mention the book). Use 'menciona' only for he, she, or a friendly command.

Noun vs. Verb Confusion

The most common mistake is using 'nombres' when you actually mean the verb 'to mention'. Remember, 'nombres' is a noun for the names themselves, while 'menciona' is the verb form for the action of mentioning.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.