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mentar

to mention

verb men-TAHR Rare

Origin: From Latin mentare, frequentative of mens (mind).

Also means

to name

Usage Note

Mentar is a slightly formal or literary verb for naming or mentioning someone. Its most colourful use is the taboo phrase mentarle la madre a alguien — a serious insult in Spanish-speaking cultures. It is a stem-changing verb (e→ie): miento, mientas, mienta.

Examples

"No le mientes el asunto en la reunión."

Natural Translation

Don't mention the matter to him at the meeting.

Literal Translation

Not to-him you-mention the matter at the meeting.

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