mito
nounCEFR B2
What does “mito” mean in English?
myth — a traditional story or widely held false belief; a legendary figure
myth — a traditional story or widely held false belief; a legendary figure (desmontar un mito; mitología)
Example sentences
El mito de que los emprendedores de éxito trabajan solos es refutado por cualquier estudio serio.
The myth that successful entrepreneurs work alone is refuted by any serious study.
Heracles es uno de los personajes más célebres de la mitología griega y su mito ha inspirado innumerables obras.
Heracles is one of the most celebrated figures in Greek mythology and his myth has inspired countless works.
Pelé se convirtió en un mito del fútbol mundial gracias a su talento y su personalidad arrolladora.
Pelé became a legend of world football thanks to his talent and overwhelming personality.
How to use it
El mito (noun, masculine) covers two B2 meanings: (1) a traditional story explaining natural or historical phenomena (la mitología griega; el mito de Prometeo), and (2) a widely held false belief or exaggerated story (desmontar un mito; es solo un mito). Key collocations: desmontar/romper un mito; convertirse en un mito; mito fundacional; el mito de + noun clause. Mito is also used for legendary/iconic people (Es un mito del deporte).
Common mistake
Desmontar un mito (to debunk a myth) — not *destruir un mito (works but less idiomatic). El mito de + noun/que-clause is a productive pattern. Mitología (mythology) is the system of myths. 'Mythical' = mítico/a. 'Urban myth' = leyenda urbana (not *mito urbano — though understood). Being a mito (colloquial) means being a legend/icon.