Inventar vs. inventarse

Understanding the nuanced differences between 'inventar' and 'inventarse' in Spanish can enrich your language skills. Both relate to making something up, but their usage and implications vary.

Inventar

'Inventar' means to create, devise, or come up with something new, often referring to tangible creations or ideas. It usually doesn't imply insincerity.
Thomas Edison inventó la bombilla eléctrica.
(Thomas Edison invented the electric light bulb.)
Tenemos que inventar una solución para este problema.
(We need to invent a solution for this problem.)
Ella siempre está pensando en nuevas formas de inventar juegos.
(She is always thinking of new ways to invent games.)

Inventarse

'Inventarse' usually implies making something up or fabricating, often with a connotation of deceit or fiction. It suggests creating imaginary stories or falsehoods.
Se inventó una excusa para no ir a la fiesta.
(He made up an excuse to not go to the party.)
No puedes simplemente inventarte datos para apoyar tu argumento.
(You can't just make up facts to support your argument.)
Me inventé un personaje para mi novela.
(I made up a character for my novel.)

Summary

'Inventar' is generally used for genuine creation or innovation, without a connotation of deceit. 'Inventarse', on the other hand, often implies making up something that is not real and can involve an element of fabrication or storytelling.