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A2 noun #1,200 よく出る 13分で読める

mentira

上位1,200

At the A1 beginner level, the word mentira is introduced as a basic vocabulary item related to truth and falsehood. Learners at this stage are focusing on simple, everyday communication, and understanding this word is crucial for basic comprehension. You will learn to recognize the word when others use it, especially in its most common exclamatory form, 'Mentira!' which is used to express surprise, similar to saying 'No way!' in English. At this level, you do not need to worry about complex grammatical structures or advanced collocations. Your primary goal is to associate the word with its core meaning: a lie. You will learn to form very simple sentences, such as 'Isso é uma mentira' (That is a lie) or 'Não é mentira' (It is not a lie). These basic constructions allow you to express agreement or disagreement with a statement. You will also learn that it is a feminine noun, which means it uses the articles 'a' and 'uma'. Teachers often introduce this word alongside its direct opposite, 'verdade' (truth), to help learners build a foundational vocabulary of contrasting concepts. By mastering the pronunciation, particularly the nasal 'en' sound, and recognizing its basic forms, A1 learners lay the groundwork for more complex usage in the future. The focus is entirely on recognition, simple declaration, and understanding its use as a common reaction in casual conversation.

As you progress to the A2 level, your interaction with the word mentira becomes more dynamic and sentence-oriented. You are no longer just recognizing the word; you are actively using it to describe past events and simple narratives. At this stage, you will learn the essential verbs that pair with the noun, most importantly 'contar' (to tell). You will practice forming sentences like 'Ele contou uma mentira' (He told a lie) or 'Ela não gosta de mentira' (She does not like lies). This level introduces the concept of collocations, teaching you that in Portuguese, you 'tell' a lie rather than 'make' one. You will also begin to encounter the word in simple reading texts, such as short stories or basic news articles, where characters might deceive one another. Furthermore, A2 learners are introduced to the diminutive form, 'mentirinha', which is highly common in spoken Portuguese to describe a small, harmless white lie. Understanding this cultural nuance helps you sound more natural. You will also practice using the word in questions, such as 'Por que você contou uma mentira?' (Why did you tell a lie?), allowing you to engage in basic conversations about motives and actions. The focus at A2 is on practical application, ensuring you can use the word accurately in everyday situations, express basic moral judgments, and understand simple stories involving deception.

At the B1 intermediate level, the usage of mentira expands significantly, allowing you to engage in more complex and abstract discussions. You are now expected to understand and use the word in various tenses and moods, including the subjunctive, to express doubt or hypothetical situations. For example, you might say, 'Duvido que seja mentira' (I doubt that it is a lie). At this stage, you will explore the reasons behind why people lie and the consequences of those actions. You will learn to use descriptive adjectives to qualify the noun, such as 'uma mentira grave' (a serious lie) or 'uma mentira inocente' (an innocent lie). The B1 level also introduces idiomatic expressions and common phrases, such as 'cair na mentira' (to fall for a lie) or 'viver uma mentira' (to live a lie). You will encounter the word in more sophisticated media, like opinion pieces, movie dialogues, and intermediate literature, where the concept of deception drives the plot or argument. Additionally, you will start to differentiate between the noun 'mentira', the verb 'mentir', and the adjective 'mentiroso', ensuring you can use the entire word family correctly. By the end of B1, you should feel comfortable discussing the ethical implications of lying, narrating complex stories involving deceit, and understanding the emotional weight the word carries in interpersonal relationships.

Reaching the B2 upper-intermediate level means you possess a high degree of fluency and can handle the word mentira in nuanced, abstract, and culturally rich contexts. You are expected to participate in debates and detailed discussions about truth, media manipulation, and social ethics. At this level, you will master advanced collocations and highly expressive adjectives, such as 'uma mentira deslavada' (a blatant lie) or 'uma mentira esfarrapada' (a flimsy excuse/lie). You will effortlessly understand and use the word in complex grammatical structures, including passive voice: 'A mentira foi descoberta pela polícia' (The lie was discovered by the police). B2 learners also dive deep into cultural idioms and slang. You will understand regional variations, such as the Brazilian slang 'caô' or 'migué', and know exactly when it is appropriate to use them instead of the standard word. Furthermore, you will be able to analyze the tone of a conversation, distinguishing between a playful 'Mentira!' among friends and a serious accusation in a professional setting. You will read advanced texts, such as political analyses or literary fiction, where deception is a central theme, and you will be able to articulate your thoughts on these topics clearly and persuasively. The focus is on precision, cultural appropriateness, and the ability to express complex emotional and intellectual reactions to falsehoods.

At the C1 advanced level, your command of the word mentira is near-native. You understand its subtle implications, historical context, and rhetorical power. In C1, the focus shifts from simply using the word correctly to using it strategically in sophisticated discourse. You will encounter the word in high-level political debates, academic papers on psychology or sociology, and classic Portuguese literature. You are expected to grasp the concept of 'pós-verdade' (post-truth) and how 'mentiras' are weaponized in modern media. At this stage, you can seamlessly integrate formal synonyms like 'inverdade', 'falácia', or 'engodo' into your vocabulary, choosing the exact right word for the specific register and audience. You understand the profound psychological impact of phrases like 'uma teia de mentiras' (a web of lies) and can use them to write compelling essays or deliver persuasive presentations. You are also fully aware of the legal implications of the word, understanding terms like 'falso testemunho' (perjury) and 'calúnia' (slander). Your pronunciation is flawless, and your intonation perfectly conveys the intended emotion, whether it is biting sarcasm, profound disappointment, or objective analysis. At C1, mentira is not just a vocabulary word; it is a concept that you can deconstruct, debate, and utilize with complete linguistic and cultural mastery.

At the C2 mastery level, your understanding and application of the word mentira are indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You possess a deep, intuitive grasp of the word's etymology, its evolution in the Portuguese language, and its profound philosophical implications. You can effortlessly navigate the most complex literary texts, such as the works of Fernando Pessoa or Machado de Assis, analyzing how they use the concept of mentira to explore the human condition, identity, and reality. At this ultimate level of proficiency, you can play with the language, creating your own metaphors and rhetorical devices centered around deception. You understand the microscopic nuances between a 'mentira', a 'farsa', an 'ilusão', and a 'simulacro'. You can engage in high-level philosophical discourse on the nature of truth, quoting famous Portuguese proverbs like 'A mentira tem pernas curtas' (A lie has short legs) and deconstructing their cultural significance. Your use of the word is perfectly calibrated to any social, professional, or academic situation, demonstrating absolute control over register, tone, and emotional resonance. For a C2 speaker, the word mentira is a powerful tool for profound expression, critical analysis, and artistic creation in the Portuguese language.

練習する例文メモとヒント

mentira 30秒で

An intentionally false statement.
The direct opposite of the truth.
Used to express disbelief ('Mentira!').
Often paired with the verb 'contar'.

The Portuguese word mentira is a fundamental noun that translates directly to the English word lie or falsehood. Understanding this word is absolutely essential for anyone learning Portuguese, as it appears constantly in everyday conversations, media, literature, and formal discourse. At its core, a mentira is an intentionally false statement made with the explicit purpose of deceiving someone or hiding the truth. However, the concept of a mentira in Portuguese-speaking cultures extends far beyond a simple dictionary definition. It encompasses a wide spectrum of deceptions, ranging from harmless white lies told to protect someone's feelings to massive, destructive falsehoods that can ruin relationships or political careers. When people use the word mentira, they are often expressing disbelief, anger, or disappointment. For instance, if someone hears a shocking piece of gossip, their immediate reaction might be to exclaim 'Mentira!' which in this context means 'No way!' or 'I do not believe it!' rather than a direct accusation of deceit. This dual usage makes the word incredibly versatile.

Everyday Usage: In daily life, people use this word to describe any statement that deviates from the truth, whether it is a child denying they ate the last cookie or a friend making up an excuse to avoid a social gathering.

Tudo o que ele disse sobre o acidente era uma grande mentira.

Furthermore, the cultural weight of a mentira varies. In many Portuguese-speaking countries, there is a recognized concept of the 'mentirinha' or 'mentira branca', which is a small, harmless lie told out of politeness. For example, telling a host that their overly salty food is delicious is a socially acceptable mentirinha. On the other hand, a 'mentira deslavada' is a blatant, shameless lie that is universally condemned.

Emotional Impact: Discovering a mentira often leads to a profound loss of trust, making it a powerful word in emotional and relational contexts.

Eu não suporto a mentira em um relacionamento amoroso.

The word is also central to the cultural event known as 'Dia da Mentira', which is celebrated on the first of April, exactly like April Fools' Day in English-speaking cultures. On this day, people play pranks and tell elaborate lies to trick their friends and family, only to later reveal the deception by shouting 'Primeiro de abril!'

Legal and Formal Contexts: In legal settings, a mentira under oath is considered perjury (falso testemunho), highlighting the serious consequences of deception in formal environments.

O político foi pego em uma mentira durante a entrevista ao vivo.

Descobrir a mentira foi doloroso, mas necessário para seguir em frente.

A pior mentira é aquela que contamos para nós mesmos.

To truly master this word, learners must pay attention to the verbs that accompany it. You do not 'make' a lie in Portuguese; you 'tell' a lie (contar uma mentira) or 'say' a lie (dizer uma mentira). Understanding these collocations is what separates a beginner from an advanced speaker. The pervasive nature of this word in Portuguese vocabulary ensures that you will encounter it frequently, making it a critical building block for your language journey.

Using the word mentira correctly in Portuguese sentences requires an understanding of its grammatical properties, its common collocations, and the specific verbs that naturally pair with it. Because mentira is a feminine noun, it dictates the gender of the articles, adjectives, and pronouns that surround it. You will always use 'a mentira' (the lie) or 'uma mentira' (a lie). When constructing sentences, the most crucial aspect is choosing the right verb. In English, you might say 'tell a lie', and the direct equivalent in Portuguese is 'contar uma mentira'. This is the most natural and frequently used combination.

Common Verbs: The verbs 'contar' (to tell), 'dizer' (to say), 'inventar' (to invent/make up), and 'descobrir' (to discover) are the most frequent companions to the noun mentira.

As crianças costumam contar muita mentira para evitar castigos severos dos pais.

Another highly common verb is 'inventar' (to invent), which is used when someone fabricates a story completely from their imagination. If someone makes up an excuse, you would say they 'inventou uma mentira'. Conversely, when a lie is exposed, the verb 'descobrir' (to discover or find out) is utilized.

Adjective Pairings: To add nuance, Portuguese speakers use specific adjectives like 'deslavada' (blatant), 'cabeluda' (huge/hairy), or 'branca' (white/harmless) to describe the severity of the lie.

O diretor da empresa contou uma mentira deslavada para os acionistas durante a reunião.

It is also important to know how to use mentira in negative sentences. If you want to assert that something is not a lie, you simply say 'Não é mentira' (It is not a lie). This is often used to emphasize the truthfulness of a surprising statement.

Prepositional Phrases: Mentira is often used in phrases like 'viver uma mentira' (to live a lie) or 'baseado em uma mentira' (based on a lie), showing its structural flexibility.

Depois de dez anos de casamento, ela percebeu que estava vivendo uma mentira.

O boato que se espalhou pela escola inteira não passava de uma mentira maldosa.

Pare de espalhar essa mentira antes que alguém saia gravemente machucado.

Furthermore, the diminutive form 'mentirinha' is incredibly common in spoken Portuguese. You will hear parents telling their children 'Isso é uma mentirinha' to soften the blow of an accusation. In advanced sentence structures, you might see the word used in passive voice, such as 'A mentira foi descoberta pelo detetive' (The lie was discovered by the detective). Mastering these sentence patterns allows you to express complex social dynamics, moral judgments, and narrative twists with fluency and confidence. The way you structure a sentence around this noun reveals your depth of understanding of Portuguese syntax and cultural context.

The word mentira is ubiquitous in the Portuguese-speaking world, echoing through the streets, living rooms, and digital spaces of Brazil, Portugal, and beyond. One of the most prominent places you will hear this word is in the famous 'novelas' (soap operas) that dominate television programming. Novelas are built on dramatic tension, and nothing creates tension quite like a devastating mentira. Characters are constantly deceiving each other, leading to dramatic reveals where someone inevitably shouts, 'É tudo mentira!' (It is all a lie!).

Television and Media: From dramatic soap operas to hard-hitting journalism, the concept of falsehood is a central theme in Portuguese language media, making the word inescapable.

A vilã da novela foi finalmente desmascarada e sua mentira foi exposta para todos.

Beyond fiction, you will hear this word daily in the news, especially in political contexts. Journalists and commentators frequently analyze statements made by politicians, debating whether a claim is a 'verdade' (truth) or a 'mentira'. In the era of fake news, the term has taken on even more weight, often appearing in headlines and social media debates.

Casual Conversations: In everyday chats among friends, the word is often used playfully as an exclamation of surprise, functioning similarly to 'No way!' in English.

Quando ela me disse que ganhou na loteria, eu gritei: Mentira!

You will also hear this word frequently in households, particularly when parents are raising children. Teaching kids the difference between right and wrong often involves discussions about the consequences of a mentira. The classic story of Pinocchio, whose nose grows when he tells a lie, is a universal cultural touchstone that introduces children to the concept.

Music and Poetry: Countless Portuguese and Brazilian songs explore the pain of betrayal, heavily featuring the word to express heartbreak and deception in romantic relationships.

A letra daquela música sertaneja fala sobre a dor de descobrir uma mentira do parceiro.

O jornalista investigativo publicou um artigo revelando a mentira por trás do escândalo financeiro.

No primeiro de abril, meu irmão me contou uma mentira que me fez chorar de rir.

In the workplace, the word might be used more cautiously, often replaced by softer terms like 'equívoco' (misunderstanding) to maintain professionalism, but when a serious breach of trust occurs, 'mentira' is the word that cuts through the corporate jargon. Whether you are listening to a passionate argument on the street, reading a classic novel by Machado de Assis, or simply chatting with a language exchange partner, the word mentira will inevitably surface, proving its status as a cornerstone of emotional and factual expression in the Portuguese language.

When learning the word mentira, English speakers frequently make a few specific grammatical and lexical mistakes that can immediately mark them as non-native speakers. The most common error revolves around the choice of verbs used with the noun. In English, the standard phrase is 'to tell a lie'. Many learners directly translate 'tell' to 'dizer' (to say) or 'falar' (to speak), resulting in phrases like 'falar uma mentira'. While 'dizer uma mentira' is acceptable and understood, 'falar uma mentira' sounds slightly unnatural to native ears. The most idiomatic and correct verb to use is 'contar' (to tell/recount), making 'contar uma mentira' the gold standard.

Verb Confusion: Avoid using 'fazer uma mentira' (make a lie), which is a direct translation from some other languages but completely incorrect in Portuguese.

É errado achar que você pode simplesmente inventar uma mentira e sair impune.

Another significant mistake is confusing the noun 'mentira' (lie) with the verb 'mentir' (to lie) or the adjective 'mentiroso' (liar/lying). A learner might say 'Ele é muito mentira' instead of the correct 'Ele é muito mentiroso' (He is a big liar). Understanding the word family and the distinct roles of each part of speech is crucial for grammatical accuracy.

Gender Agreement: Because mentira ends in 'a', it is feminine. Learners sometimes mistakenly use masculine articles, saying 'um mentira', which is a glaring grammatical error.

Aquela história absurda não passava de uma mentira mal contada.

Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the pronunciation, particularly the nasal 'en' sound. It is not pronounced like the English 'men', but rather with a nasalized vowel that requires the air to pass through the nose. Failing to nasalize the first syllable can make the word sound flat and foreign.

Exclamatory Misuse: Using 'Mentira!' as an exclamation of surprise is common, but learners sometimes use it in formal settings where it might be interpreted as a literal accusation of lying, causing offense.

Dizer que o projeto está pronto quando não está é uma mentira perigosa no trabalho.

O aluno tentou encobrir seu erro com uma mentira, mas o professor percebeu imediatamente.

Ele achou que uma pequena mentira não faria mal, mas as consequências foram desastrosas.

Finally, learners often miss the opportunity to use rich collocations. Instead of just saying 'uma grande mentira' (a big lie), native speakers use colorful adjectives like 'uma mentira deslavada' (a blatant lie) or 'uma mentira esfarrapada' (a flimsy lie/excuse). By avoiding these common pitfalls—mastering the verbs, respecting the gender, perfecting the nasal pronunciation, and understanding the exclamatory context—you will sound significantly more natural and confident when discussing truth and deception in Portuguese.

While mentira is the most direct and common translation for 'lie', the Portuguese language offers a rich tapestry of synonyms and alternative expressions that convey varying degrees of deception, formality, and regional flavor. Expanding your vocabulary beyond the basic word allows you to express nuances more precisely. A very formal and slightly academic alternative is 'falsidade' (falsehood). This word is often used in legal, philosophical, or literary contexts to describe the quality of being untrue, rather than a specific spoken lie.

Formal Alternatives: Words like 'inverdade' (untruth) or 'engano' (deceit/mistake) are excellent choices for professional or diplomatic settings where calling someone a liar directly is inappropriate.

O advogado provou que a declaração da testemunha era uma completa mentira.

On the informal side, especially in Brazilian Portuguese, the slang is incredibly vibrant. The word 'caô' is immensely popular in Rio de Janeiro and across Brazil, meaning a lie, a tall tale, or nonsense. If someone is telling you an unbelievable story, you might say 'Isso é caô!' (That is a lie/bullshit!). Another common slang term is 'migué', which refers to a deceptive excuse or a trick used to avoid responsibility. 'Dar um migué' means to feign ignorance or make up a flimsy excuse.

Slang and Colloquialisms: Terms like 'lorota', 'balela', and 'potoca' are fun, slightly old-fashioned colloquialisms that translate roughly to 'fib', 'hogwash', or 'tall tale'.

Meu avô adorava contar uma mentira inofensiva para divertir as crianças da vizinhança.

Another related concept is 'farsa' (farce or sham), which describes a situation or event that is entirely fake or staged. While a mentira is usually a spoken statement, a farsa is a broader deception. Similarly, 'calúnia' (slander) is a specific type of malicious lie designed to damage someone's reputation, often carrying legal implications.

Nuanced Deception: Understanding the difference between a simple 'mentira' and a malicious 'calúnia' is important for navigating complex social and legal discussions in Portuguese.

A campanha política foi destruída quando a imprensa revelou a mentira do candidato.

Ele tentou disfarçar, mas o sorriso nervoso entregou a mentira imediatamente.

Não acredite em tudo o que lê na internet, pois muita coisa é pura mentira.

By familiarizing yourself with these alternatives, you not only improve your vocabulary but also gain a deeper appreciation for how Portuguese speakers categorize and express the concept of untruthfulness. Whether you need the formal precision of 'inverdade', the playful dismissal of 'balela', or the street-smart edge of 'caô', having these synonyms at your disposal will make your Portuguese significantly more colorful, accurate, and culturally attuned.

How Formal Is It?

フォーマル

"O réu foi indiciado por proferir uma mentira sob juramento."

ニュートラル

"Ele contou uma mentira para não ir ao trabalho."

カジュアル

"Que mentira! Você não fez isso!"

Child friendly

"O nariz do Pinóquio cresce quando ele conta uma mentirinha."

スラング

"Para de caô, eu sei que isso é mentira."

豆知識

Because 'mentira' shares the same Latin root as the word 'mente' (mind), it philosophically implies that lying is a purely mental construct. Animals do not tell 'mentiras' because they lack the complex mental capacity to fabricate an alternate reality.

発音ガイド

UK /mẽˈti.ɾɐ/

US /mẽˈtʃi.ɾa/

men-TI-ra (The stress is on the penultimate syllable 'ti')

韻が合う語

tira gira vira pira mira ira suspira inspira retira caipira

よくある間違い

Pronouncing the 'en' like the English word 'men'. It must be a nasal vowel, produced by passing air through the nose.
Pronouncing the 'r' as a guttural sound (like the 'h' in 'hat' or the French 'r'). It must be a single tap of the tongue against the roof of the mouth.
In Brazilian Portuguese, forgetting to pronounce the 'ti' as 'chi' (in regions where palatalization is standard).
Stressing the first syllable (MEN-ti-ra) instead of the second (men-TI-ra).
Pronouncing the final 'a' too forcefully. It should be relatively soft and short.

難易度

読解 1/5

Very easy to recognize and understand in written texts due to its frequent use and clear context.

ライティング 2/5

Easy to spell, but requires remembering the correct gender (feminine) and verbs (contar).

スピーキング 3/5

Requires mastering the nasal 'en' sound and the palatalized 'ti' (in Brazil) for native-like pronunciation.

リスニング 2/5

Easily identifiable in speech, often emphasized with strong intonation when used as an exclamation.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

verdade falar contar dizer não

次に学ぶ

mentir mentiroso falso engano promessa

上級

calúnia falácia hipocrisia dissimulação perjúrio

知っておくべき文法

Gender Agreement

A mentira (feminine article), uma mentira deslavada (feminine adjective).

Verbs of Communication

Use 'contar' (to tell) or 'dizer' (to say) with mentira. 'Ele contou uma mentira.'

Preposition 'de' for composition

Use 'de mentira' to mean 'fake' or 'toy'. Example: 'Uma arma de mentira' (A toy gun).

Diminutive Suffixes

Add '-inha' to soften the noun: 'mentira' becomes 'mentirinha' (little lie).

Double Negatives

In Portuguese, double negatives are standard. 'Não contei nenhuma mentira' (I didn't tell no lie / I didn't tell any lie).

レベル別の例文

Isso é uma mentira.

That is a lie.

Uses the feminine article 'uma' before the feminine noun 'mentira'.

A mentira é ruim.

The lie is bad.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

Não gosto de mentira.

I do not like lies.

Uses the preposition 'de' after the verb 'gostar'.

Mentira! Não acredito!

No way! I do not believe it!

Used as an exclamation of surprise.

Ele falou uma mentira.

He told a lie.

Basic past tense (pretérito perfeito) of the verb 'falar'.

É verdade ou mentira?

Is it truth or a lie?

Contrasting the noun with its direct antonym 'verdade'.

Uma pequena mentira.

A small lie.

Adjective 'pequena' agrees in gender with 'mentira'.

Eu odeio a mentira.

I hate the lie.

Direct object usage with the definite article 'a'.

Ela contou uma mentira para a professora.

She told a lie to the teacher.

Uses the preferred verb 'contar' and the preposition 'para'.

Descobri a mentira dele ontem.

I discovered his lie yesterday.

Uses the possessive pronoun 'dele' after the noun.

Foi apenas uma mentirinha.

It was just a little lie.

Uses the diminutive suffix '-inha' to soften the meaning.

Por que você inventou essa mentira?

Why did you invent this lie?

Uses the demonstrative pronoun 'essa' agreeing with the noun.

A mentira tem pernas curtas.

A lie has short legs (Lies are soon discovered).

A very common Portuguese proverb.

Ele vive contando mentiras.

He is always telling lies.

Uses the gerund 'contando' to show continuous action.

Não quero ouvir mais nenhuma mentira.

I do not want to hear any more lies.

Double negative structure common in Portuguese ('não... nenhuma').

A história toda era uma grande mentira.

The whole story was a big lie.

Uses the imperfect tense 'era' for description in the past.

Se eu soubesse que era mentira, não teria ajudado.

If I had known it was a lie, I would not have helped.

Uses the imperfect subjunctive 'soubesse' with the conditional 'teria'.

É difícil perdoar uma mentira tão grave.

It is hard to forgive such a serious lie.

Uses the adverb 'tão' to intensify the adjective 'grave'.

A imprensa desmascarou a mentira do político.

The press unmasked the politician's lie.

Uses the advanced vocabulary verb 'desmascarar'.

Muitas vezes, uma mentira branca evita conflitos desnecessários.

Often, a white lie avoids unnecessary conflicts.

Introduces the cultural concept of 'mentira branca'.

Ele se enrolou na própria mentira e não soube o que dizer.

He got tangled in his own lie and didn't know what to say.

Uses the reflexive verb 'enrolar-se' idiomatically.

A pior parte da traição é a mentira constante.

The worst part of the betrayal is the constant lying.

Uses 'mentira' in a broader, abstract sense.

Eles espalharam uma mentira absurda sobre o meu passado.

They spread an absurd lie about my past.

Uses the verb 'espalhar' (to spread) commonly associated with rumors.

Duvido que essa história seja verdade; parece mentira.

I doubt this story is true; it seems like a lie.

Uses the present subjunctive 'seja' after 'duvido que'.

O réu foi condenado por contar uma mentira deslavada sob juramento.

The defendant was convicted for telling a blatant lie under oath.

Uses the strong adjective 'deslavada' and formal legal context.

Vivemos em uma era onde a mentira se propaga mais rápido que a verdade.

We live in an era where a lie propagates faster than the truth.

Uses the reflexive verb 'propagar-se' in a sociological context.

Aquele argumento não passa de uma mentira esfarrapada para justificar o erro.

That argument is nothing but a flimsy lie to justify the mistake.

Uses the idiomatic expression 'não passa de' and 'esfarrapada'.

Foi preciso muita coragem para admitir a mentira e enfrentar as consequências.

It took a lot of courage to admit the lie and face the consequences.

Uses the impersonal structure 'Foi preciso'.

A teia de mentiras que ele construiu finalmente desmoronou.

The web of lies he built finally collapsed.

Uses the metaphor 'teia de mentiras'.

Embora parecesse sincero, seu discurso estava repleto de mentiras sutis.

Although he seemed sincere, his speech was full of subtle lies.

Uses the concessive conjunction 'Embora' with the imperfect subjunctive.

A mentira compulsiva é um transtorno psicológico que requer tratamento adequado.

Compulsive lying is a psychological disorder that requires proper treatment.

Uses 'mentira' as a medical/psychological concept.

Ele tentou encobrir a falha com uma mentira, o que só piorou a situação.

He tried to cover up the failure with a lie, which only worsened the situation.

Uses the relative pronoun 'o que' to refer to the entire previous clause.

A proliferação de fake news demonstrou como a mentira pode ser instrumentalizada politicamente.

The proliferation of fake news has demonstrated how lies can be politically instrumentalized.

Uses passive voice and advanced academic vocabulary ('instrumentalizada').

Trata-se de uma mentira tão bem elaborada que beira a genialidade sociopata.

It is a lie so well crafted that it borders on sociopathic genius.

Uses the formal impersonal verb 'Trata-se de'.

O autor desconstrói a dicotomia entre verdade e mentira em sua obra-prima.

The author deconstructs the dichotomy between truth and lie in his masterpiece.

Literary analysis context using 'dicotomia'.

A retórica do ditador era fundamentada em uma mentira histórica reiterada à exaustão.

The dictator's rhetoric was based on a historical lie repeated to exhaustion.

Uses the phrase 'reiterada à exaustão'.

É imperativo que não sejamos coniventes com a mentira institucionalizada.

It is imperative that we are not complicit with institutionalized lying.

Uses 'É imperativo que' with the present subjunctive 'sejamos'.

A falácia do espantalho é, em sua essência, uma mentira intelectual.

The straw man fallacy is, in its essence, an intellectual lie.

Philosophical/logical context.

Ele proferiu a mentira com uma frieza calculista que chocou os presentes.

He uttered the lie with a calculating coldness that shocked those present.

Uses the highly formal verb 'proferir' instead of 'dizer'.

A omissão deliberada de fatos configura, sob a ótica ética, uma mentira tácita.

The deliberate omission of facts constitutes, from an ethical perspective, a tacit lie.

Advanced ethical and legal terminology.

Na ontologia da linguagem, a mentira não é o oposto da verdade, mas sua sombra inerente.

In the ontology of language, the lie is not the opposite of truth, but its inherent shadow.

Deep philosophical context using specialized vocabulary.

A narrativa picaresca subverte a moralidade burguesa ao elevar a mentira à categoria de arte de sobrevivência.

The picaresque narrative subverts bourgeois morality by elevating the lie to the category of survival art.

Advanced literary criticism phrasing.

O simulacro contemporâneo transcende a mentira tradicional, criando uma hiper-realidade onde o falso precede o real.

The contemporary simulacrum transcends the traditional lie, creating a hyper-reality where the false precedes the real.

Post-modern philosophical theory context (Baudrillard).

A mentira, quando tecida nos meandros do poder, transmuta-se em dogma inquestionável.

The lie, when woven into the intricacies of power, transmutes into unquestionable dogma.

Poetic and highly formal syntax.

É na tessitura das pequenas mentiras cotidianas que o tecido social encontra sua flexibilidade paradoxal.

It is in the weaving of small daily lies that the social fabric finds its paradoxical flexibility.

Sociological metaphor using 'tessitura'.

O cinismo do estadista residia em sua capacidade de revestir a mentira com o verniz da necessidade de Estado.

The statesman's cynicism lay in his ability to coat the lie with the veneer of state necessity.

Advanced political analysis vocabulary.

A autoenganação é a mentira mais insidiosa, pois o algoz e a vítima habitam a mesma psique.

Self-deception is the most insidious lie, for the executioner and the victim inhabit the same psyche.

Psychological depth using terms like 'insidiosa' and 'algoz'.

Desvelar a mentira fundacional de uma nação exige um rigor historiográfico que poucos ousam ter.

Unveiling the foundational lie of a nation requires a historiographical rigor that few dare to have.

Academic historical context.

よく使う組み合わせ

contar uma mentira

mentira deslavada

mentira branca

descobrir a mentira

viver uma mentira

mentira cabeluda

espalhar mentiras

acreditar na mentira

teia de mentiras

dia da mentira

よく使うフレーズ

Parece mentira!

Mentira tem perna curta.

Isso é pura mentira.

Cair na mentira.

Pegar na mentira.

Mentira piedosa.

Tudo não passou de uma mentira.

Uma mentira leva a outra.

Desmentir uma mentira.

Viver de mentiras.

よく混同される語

mentira vs mentir

'Mentir' is the verb (to lie). 'Mentira' is the noun (the lie). Example: Ele costuma mentir (verb). Ele contou uma mentira (noun).

mentira vs mentiroso

'Mentiroso' is the adjective or noun for the person (liar/lying). 'Mentira' is the thing being said. Example: Ele é mentiroso. A história é mentira.

mentira vs falso

'Falso' is an adjective meaning fake or false. While a mentira is falsa, you cannot say 'Ele contou um falso'. You must say 'Ele contou uma mentira'.

慣用句と表現

"Mentira tem perna curta"

This is the most famous idiom involving the word. It means that a lie cannot run far before it is caught; the truth always comes out quickly.

Pode tentar me enganar, mas lembre-se que a mentira tem perna curta.

neutral

"Dar um migué"

A Brazilian slang idiom meaning to use a deceptive excuse, feign ignorance, or pretend to be sick to avoid a responsibility.

Ele não queria limpar a casa, então deu um migué e foi dormir.

slang

"Contar o conto do vigário"

To tell an elaborate lie or run a scam to trick someone out of their money or possessions. A classic confidence trick.

Aquele vendedor tentou me contar o conto do vigário, mas eu percebi.

informal

"História para boi dormir"

Literally 'a story for a bull to sleep'. It means a ridiculous, unbelievable lie or a flimsy excuse that no one would fall for.

Essa desculpa de que o cachorro comeu o trabalho é história para boi dormir.

informal

"Vender gato por lebre"

Literally 'to sell a cat for a hare'. It means to deceive someone by giving them something of lesser value than what was promised.

Comprei o carro online e fui enganado; me venderam gato por lebre.

neutral

"Lavar a égua"

While mostly meaning to succeed greatly, in some contexts of gambling or deceit, it means to get away with a massive lie or scam profitably.

Os golpistas lavaram a égua com aquele esquema de pirâmide.

slang

"Engolir sapo"

While it means to tolerate insults without complaining, it often involves accepting a known lie or unfair situation silently to avoid conflict.

Para manter o emprego, ela teve que engolir muito sapo e aceitar as mentiras do chefe.

informal

"Jogar verde para colher maduro"

To tell a small lie or drop a hint in order to trick someone into revealing the actual truth.

Eu não sabia de nada, só joguei verde para colher maduro e ele confessou.

informal

"Cara de pau"

Used to describe someone who is shameless, especially someone who tells a blatant lie without showing any guilt or embarrassment.

Ele teve a cara de pau de mentir olhando nos meus olhos.

informal

"Conversa fiada"

Idle chatter, but often used to describe lies, empty promises, or bullshit.

Não perca seu tempo com ele, é tudo conversa fiada.

informal

間違えやすい

mentira vs mentir

Learners often confuse the noun and the verb forms because in English, 'lie' is both a noun and a verb.

'Mentir' is the action (to lie). 'Mentira' is the object/result of the action (the lie). You conjugate 'mentir' (eu minto, ele mente), but you use articles with 'mentira' (a mentira).

Eu não quero mentir (verb). Isso é uma mentira (noun).

mentira vs mentiroso

Learners mix up the word for the statement (lie) and the word for the person (liar).

'Mentiroso' describes the person who tells lies. 'Mentira' is the lie itself.

O mentiroso (liar) contou uma mentira (lie).

mentira vs falsidade

Both relate to things that are not true.

'Mentira' is usually a specific spoken or written false statement. 'Falsidade' is a broader, more formal term for the quality of being false, or a trait of a two-faced person.

A falsidade dela me assusta. Ela só conta mentira.

mentira vs engano

Both involve someone not knowing the truth.

An 'engano' is a mistake or misunderstanding, usually unintentional. A 'mentira' is intentional deception.

Desculpe, foi um engano (mistake). Não foi uma mentira (lie).

mentira vs inverdade

Synonyms with different registers.

'Inverdade' is a highly formal, polite euphemism for a lie, used in politics or law to avoid calling someone a liar directly. 'Mentira' is the standard, direct word.

O político chamou a acusação de inverdade, mas o povo sabia que era mentira.

文型パターン

[Subject] + é + uma + mentira.

Isso é uma mentira.

[Subject] + contou + uma + mentira + para + [Person].

Ele contou uma mentira para a mãe.

Eu + não + acredito + nessa + mentira.

Eu não acredito nessa mentira.

Parece + mentira + que + [Subjunctive clause].

Parece mentira que você tenha feito isso.

A + mentira + foi + descoberta + por + [Person].

A mentira foi descoberta pelo professor.

Não + passa + de + uma + mentira + [Adjective].

Não passa de uma mentira esfarrapada.

É + imperativo + combater + a + mentira + [Adjective].

É imperativo combater a mentira institucional.

A + mentira + reside + na + [Abstract Noun].

A mentira reside na omissão dos fatos.

語族

名詞

動詞

形容詞

使い方

frequency

Top 1000 most common words in spoken and written Portuguese.

よくある間違い

Ele falou um mentira. → Ele contou uma mentira.
Two mistakes here: using the masculine article 'um' instead of the feminine 'uma', and using the less natural verb 'falou' instead of 'contou'.
Ele é muito mentira. → Ele é muito mentiroso.
Learners often use the noun 'mentira' (lie) when they mean the adjective/noun 'mentiroso' (liar).
Eu fiz uma mentira. → Eu inventei/contei uma mentira.
Directly translating 'make a lie' leads to 'fazer uma mentira', which is completely incorrect in Portuguese. Use 'inventar' or 'contar'.
A mentira tem pernas curtas. → A mentira tem perna curta.
While the plural 'pernas curtas' is sometimes understood, the traditional and most idiomatic form of the proverb uses the singular 'perna curta'.
Isso é um falso. → Isso é uma mentira.
English speakers often try to use 'falso' (false) as a noun to mean 'a lie'. In Portuguese, 'falso' is an adjective. The noun is 'mentira'.

ヒント

Always Feminine

Never say 'um mentira'. It is always 'uma mentira'. Match your adjectives too: 'mentira feia', not 'mentira feio'.

Use 'Contar'

To sound like a native, always pair mentira with the verb 'contar'. 'Ele contou uma mentira' is much better than 'Ele falou uma mentira'.

The Exclamation

Feel free to use 'Mentira!' with friends when they tell you surprising gossip. It shows you are engaged and shocked.

Nasalize the 'EN'

Practice the nasal sound. If you pinch your nose while saying 'men', the sound should vibrate in your nasal cavity.

Learn 'Caô'

If you are going to Brazil, especially Rio, knowing that 'caô' means 'mentira' will instantly make you sound cooler and more integrated.

Short Legs

Memorize 'A mentira tem perna curta'. It is a great phrase to drop into a conversation when discussing someone who got caught lying.

The Diminutive

Use 'mentirinha' when talking to children or describing a harmless excuse. It softens the harshness of the word.

De Mentira

Use 'de mentira' to describe fake things. A fake plant is 'uma planta de mentira'. A toy car is 'um carro de mentira'.

Word Family

Don't confuse the noun 'mentira' with the adjective 'mentiroso' (liar). 'Ele é uma mentira' is wrong; say 'Ele é mentiroso'.

Formal Synonyms

In formal essays, avoid 'mentira' if it sounds too aggressive. Use 'inverdade' or 'falsidade' for a more academic tone.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Imagine men drinking tea and shouting 'Rah!' (Men-tea-rah). They are telling wild, unbelievable stories to each other. Every time one tells a crazy story, the others shout 'Men-tea-rah!' because it is a lie.

視覚的連想

Visualize a cartoon character like Pinocchio whose nose grows. On his nose, the word MENTIRA is written in bold, red letters. Every time he speaks, the red letters stretch and get bigger.

Word Web

Mentira Contar (Tell) Verdade (Truth) Mentiroso (Liar) Mentir (To lie) Descobrir (Discover) Deslavada (Blatant) Perna curta (Short legs)

チャレンジ

Next time you hear someone say something unbelievable in English, practice your Portuguese by whispering 'Mentira!' to yourself. Try to write down three 'mentiras brancas' (white lies) you have told this year.

語源

The word 'mentira' originates from the Latin word 'mentiri', which means 'to lie' or 'to invent'. This Latin root is connected to the word 'mens', meaning 'mind', suggesting that a lie is something fabricated in the mind rather than existing in reality. The transition from Latin to Old Portuguese maintained the core phonetic structure and meaning. Over centuries, it solidified as the primary noun for falsehood in the Portuguese language.

元の意味： In its Latin origins, 'mentiri' was closely associated with the act of using one's mind to fabricate a reality that did not exist, highlighting the intellectual effort behind deception.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Western Romance > Ibero-Romance > Portuguese.

文化的な背景

Be careful when using 'Mentira!' as an exclamation of surprise in formal or professional settings. While acceptable among friends, a boss or a stranger might interpret it literally as an accusation that they are lying, which is highly offensive.

In English, you 'tell' a lie. In Portuguese, you 'contar' (tell) a mentira. The structural logic is identical, making it an easy concept for English speakers to map directly. However, the exclamation 'Mentira!' is used much more casually than 'Liar!' or 'That's a lie!' in English, often just meaning 'I am surprised!'

'A mentira é uma verdade que se esqueceu de acontecer.' (A lie is a truth that forgot to happen) - A famous quote often attributed to Brazilian writer Mario Quintana. Pinóquio (Pinocchio) - The universal fairy tale character is the ultimate symbol of the 'mentira' for Portuguese-speaking children. 'O Auto da Compadecida' - A famous Brazilian play/movie by Ariano Suassuna where the main character, João Grilo, survives purely by his wits and elaborate 'mentiras'.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Daily Life / Relationships

contar uma mentira
mentira branca
descobrir a mentira
viver uma mentira

Reactions / Exclamations

Mentira!
Parece mentira!
É mentira!
Que mentira!

Media and News

espalhar mentiras
fake news e mentiras
desmentir a mentira
mentira política

Work / Professional

pegar na mentira
mentira no currículo
mentira deslavada
consequências da mentira

Children / Education

mentirinha
história de mentira
o nariz cresce com a mentira
não pode contar mentira

会話のきっかけ

"Você acha que existe alguma situação em que contar uma mentira é a coisa certa a fazer?"

"Qual foi a mentira mais engraçada que você já contou quando era criança?"

"Você já caiu em uma mentira de primeiro de abril? Como foi?"

"Como você reage quando descobre que um amigo contou uma mentira para você?"

"Você acredita que a frase 'a mentira tem perna curta' é sempre verdadeira?"

日記のテーマ

Escreva sobre uma vez em que você contou uma mentira branca para proteger os sentimentos de alguém.

Descreva como você se sentiu quando descobriu uma grande mentira.

Na sua opinião, qual é a diferença entre uma omissão e uma mentira?

Escreva uma pequena história fictícia sobre um personagem que não consegue parar de contar mentiras.

Reflita sobre o impacto das mentiras (fake news) nas redes sociais hoje em dia.

よくある質問

10 問

'Mentira' is a feminine noun meaning 'a lie'. The verb form 'to lie' is 'mentir'. For example, 'a mentira' means 'the lie', while 'ele mente' means 'he lies'.

The direct and most common translation is 'mentira branca'. You can also use the diminutive 'mentirinha' (little lie) or the more formal 'mentira piedosa' (pious lie).

When used as an exclamation, it usually means 'No way!', 'I don't believe it!', or 'Shut up!' It expresses extreme surprise or shock, rather than a literal accusation of lying.

The most common and natural verb is 'contar' (to tell). You say 'contar uma mentira' (to tell a lie). You can also use 'dizer' (to say) or 'inventar' (to invent).

It is a feminine noun. You must always use feminine articles and adjectives with it, such as 'a mentira', 'uma mentira', or 'muitas mentiras'.

'Dia da Mentira' is April 1st, the exact equivalent of April Fools' Day. It is a day dedicated to playing pranks and telling harmless lies.

Yes! The phrase 'de mentira' is commonly used to describe something fake or a toy. For example, 'dinheiro de mentira' means 'play money' or 'fake money'.

The proverb is 'A mentira tem perna curta' (A lie has short legs). It means that lies cannot travel far before they are caught; the truth is always discovered.

A very common slang term in Brazil for a lie or bullshit is 'caô'. You can say 'Isso é caô!' (That's bullshit/a lie!).

The 'men' is pronounced with a nasal vowel. Do not say it like the English word 'men'. Pass the air through your nose, similar to the French 'en', before saying 'ti-ra'.