What is the difference between "mentir", "descansar" in Spanish?

The English word 'to lie' has distinct translations in Spanish depending on whether you mean to tell an untruth or to be situated. It's crucial to use the correct verb to avoid confusion.

How to Say "to lie" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to lie” is “mentir” — use 'mentir' when you are talking about deliberately saying something that is not true..

mentir🔊A1

Use 'mentir' when you are talking about deliberately saying something that is not true.

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descansar🔊B2

Use 'descansar' when you mean 'to be situated' or 'to rest', not when you are telling an untruth. This meaning is less common and often more formal.

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English → Spanish

mentir

/men-TEER//menˈtiɾ/

verbA1general

Use 'mentir' when you are talking about deliberately saying something that is not true.

A small child standing next to a shattered blue vase on the floor. The child is pointing accusingly at a cat sitting nearby, while secretly holding a small hammer behind their back.

Examples

No deberías mentir a tus padres.

You shouldn't lie to your parents.

Ella siempre miente sobre su edad.

She always lies about her age.

Prométeme que nunca me mentirás.

Promise me that you will never lie to me.

Aunque me mintió, creo que lo hizo para protegerme.

Even though he lied to me, I think he did it to protect me.

The 'Boot' Conjugation (e -> ie)

In the present tense, the 'e' in the middle of 'mentir' changes to 'ie' (miento, mientes, miente, mienten). However, the 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' forms are regular (mentimos, mentís).

Subjunctive and Past Tense Stem Change (e -> i)

In the Preterite (past tense) and Subjunctive, the vowel changes even further, from 'e' to 'i' in some forms (e.g., él mintió in the past, or nosotros mintamos in the subjunctive). This is common for -ir stem-changing verbs.

Confusing the stem change

Mistake: “Using 'mentamos' instead of 'mintamos' for the 'nosotros' form in the present subjunctive.”

Correction: The correct form is 'mintamos' (using the 'i' stem). Remember that the 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' forms of these verbs use the 'i' stem when in the subjunctive or past tense.

See full entry for “mentir” →

descansar

/dess-kahn-SAHR//des.kanˈsaɾ/

verbB2formal

Use 'descansar' when you mean 'to be situated' or 'to rest', not when you are telling an untruth. This meaning is less common and often more formal.

A simple storybook illustration showing a sturdy stone pillar providing the sole support for the corner of a small wooden house, representing reliance or being based on something.

Examples

La responsabilidad descansa sobre el gerente.

The responsibility lies with the manager.

La conclusión del estudio descansa en datos verificables.

The study's conclusion is based on verifiable data.

Nuestra esperanza descansa en la nueva generación de líderes.

Our hope rests (or relies) on the new generation of leaders.

Always Needs 'en'

When used in this figurative way (to rely or be based on), 'descansar' always needs the little word 'en' (on/in) immediately following it.

Omitting the Preposition

Mistake: “El plan descansa los hechos. (Incorrect)”

Correction: El plan descansa en los hechos. (The plan relies on the facts.)

See full entry for “descansar” →

Don't confuse 'mentir' with 'descansar'

The most common mistake is using 'descansar' when you mean 'to tell an untruth'. Remember, 'mentir' is the direct translation for lying, while 'descansar' relates to resting or being located.

Related Translations

to deceive→to rest→to sleep→

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