Adverbs ending in “-mente” are very common in Spanish and are used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They usually express manner, but can also indicate other circumstances like quantity, time, or affirmation. In this article, we explain how to form them correctly and when to use them.
How Are They Formed?
To form an adverb ending in “-mente,” start with the adjective in its feminine form and add the suffix “-mente.”
🔹 General rule:
- Take the adjective in its feminine form (if it has one).
- Add “-mente” at the end.
Examples:
| Adjective (masculine) | Adjective (feminine) | Adverb in “-mente” |
| Rápido | Rápida | Rápidamente |
| Fuerte | Fuerte (no change) | Fuertemente |
| Alegre | Alegre (no change) | Alegremente |
| Lento | Lenta | Lentamente |
| Claro | Clara | Claramente |
📌 Note: If the adjective does not have a different feminine form, it is used as it is, and “-mente” is added.
Spelling Rules and Accents
Adverbs ending in “-mente” retain the accent mark from the original adjective if it had one.
🔹 Examples with accents:
- Fácil → Fácilmente
- Rápido → Rápidamente
- Típico → Típicamente
🔹 Examples without accents:
- Fuerte → Fuertemente
- Claro → Claramente
- Feliz → Felizmente
Use of Adverbs in “-mente”
Adverbs ending in “-mente” usually indicate manner, but can also express other circumstances.
Types of Adverbs in “-mente”:
✅ Adverbs of manner: Indicate how an action is performed.
- El equipo jugó brillantemente.
- Respondió claramente a la pregunta.
✅ Adverbs of quantity: Express intensity or degree.
- Estaba moderadamente cansado.
- Habló excesivamente en la reunión.
✅ Adverbs of affirmation and negation: Reinforce the certainty of an action.
- Evidentemente, no quería ir.
- Positivamente, es la mejor opción.
✅ Adverbs of time: Indicate when an action occurs.
- Se presentó tardíamente al examen.
- Fue resuelto previamente.
Correct Usage in a Sentence
1️⃣ When there are several adverbs in “-mente,” use “-mente” only for the last one.
❌ Habló claramente y rápido. (Incorrect)
✅ Habló clara y rápidamente. (Correct)
2️⃣ Avoid overusing adverbs in “-mente” to make sentences flow more naturally.
❌ Explicó el problema clara, lógica y detalladamente. (Overloaded)
✅ Explicó el problema detalladamente. (More natural)
By following these rules, you can write and speak with more precision. Practice forming adverbs and improve your Spanish!
