mentir
to lie / to deceive
Intermediate Verb
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Pronunciation
/mẽˈtiɾ/
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Cultural Note
Mentir is a stem-changing verb (e→i in the first person present). In Portuguese culture, being caught in a lie is deeply shameful. The proverb 'Quem mente, rouba' (whoever lies, steals) reflects the moral equivalence many Portuguese speakers draw between dishonesty and theft.
📝 Example Sentences
Não me mintas, eu mereço a verdade.
Don't lie to me, I deserve the truth.
Ele mentiu sobre onde esteve ontem à noite.
He lied about where he was last night.
Mentir destrói a confiança num relacionamento.
Lying destroys trust in a relationship.