mencionar
verbUpper-intermediate
What does “mencionar” mean in English?
to mention, to refer to
to mention, to refer to (mencionar algo — bring something up briefly in speech or writing; not develop it fully)
Example sentences
El informe mencionaba brevemente los riesgos asociados al proyecto, pero sin entrar en un análisis detallado.
The report mentioned the risks associated with the project briefly, but without going into detailed analysis.
Cabe mencionar que los resultados obtenidos son preliminares y están sujetos a revisión posterior.
It is worth mentioning that the results obtained are preliminary and subject to further review.
Sin mencionar los efectos a largo plazo, que podrían ser aún más graves que las consecuencias inmediatas.
Not to mention the long-term effects, which could be even more serious than the immediate consequences.
How to use it
Mencionar means 'to mention' or 'to refer to'. Structure: mencionar algo, mencionar que + clause, mencionar a alguien. It implies a brief, passing reference rather than detailed treatment. Key B2 collocations: mencionar brevemente (mention briefly), sin mencionar (not to mention), cabe mencionar que (it is worth mentioning that). Discourse marker: 'como ya se ha mencionado' (as already mentioned). Don't confuse with señalar (point out — more emphatic) or aludir a (allude to — indirect reference).
Common mistake
Mencionar (brief reference — not to develop) vs. señalar (point out — call attention to something important). 'Menciona el problema' (mentions the problem in passing); 'señala el problema' (identifies/highlights the problem as important). Cabe mencionar que is a useful B2 discourse phrase for academic and formal writing.
Topics
Related Upper-intermediate words
Reference
This entry’s teaching guidance follows Plan Curricular del Instituto Cervantes (Instituto Cervantes), B2 Funciones 6.73.