Mentiroso vs. embustero
The Spanish words 'mentiroso' and 'embustero' both translate to the English word 'liar'. Although they are synonyms, they differ slightly in their connotations and are used in slightly different contexts.
Mentiroso
'Mentiroso' directly translates to 'liar' in English, referring to someone who tells untruths frequently.
No creo nada de lo que dice, es un mentiroso.
(I don't believe anything he says, he's a liar.)
No seas mentiroso, cuéntame la verdad.
(Don't be a liar, tell me the truth.)
Embustero
'Embustero' is also translated as 'liar', but it carries a stronger connotation. It often refers to someone who is crafty or manipulative in their lies.
Él es un embustero y siempre intenta engañarme con sus historias falsas.
(He is a deceiver and always tries to fool me with his fake stories.)
¡No le escuches, es un embustero!
(Don't listen to him, he's a trickster!)
Summary
'Mentiroso' and 'embustero' in Spanish both refer to an individual who lies. However, while 'mentiroso' refers to any individual who lies, 'embustero' refers more specifically to an individual who is deceitful or crafty in their lies.