Spanish Conversation · Level 52
75 words
Spanish word
mentar
Pronunciation
IPA/menˈtaɾ/
Meaning
- verbmention
Example
En la reunión no debes mentar problemas personales.
You should not mention personal problems at the meeting.
More examples
En el informe conviene mentar solo los hechos verificables.
In the report it is advisable to mention only verifiable facts.
Core concept
Referring to a person or thing by name, often in heated or insulting speech.
Common phrases
no mentar problemas personales
not mention personal problems
mentar en público
mention in public
mentar detalles
mention details
Similar words
mencionar: Referring to a person or thing by name in a neutral, nonemotional way.
citar: Citing someone else's words or a text exactly for reference or evidence.
referir: Conveying or telling about a matter to others as reported information.
nombrar: Naming someone or something aloud to indicate or identify them.
Definition in Spanish
Se usa para nombrar, mencionar o aludir a alguien o algo; en el habla popular puede tener sentido ofensivo en frases como «mentar la madre».
Word origin
Derived from Latin mentio 'mention', with a primary meaning 'to name' and later colloquial senses that can imply insult in idiomatic uses.
Usage tips
- Because mentar can signal aggression, English 'mention' does not always map to mentar, and mencionar is the standard verb for factual, nonemotional references.