Adverbs
Adverbs are words that describe or limit verbs, adjectives, other adverbs or entire sentences. These lessons explain how they are used in Spanish.
Introduction to Adverbs
Adverbs are words that tell us when, how or where the action or process in a sentence takes place. This introduction covers the different types of adverbs and how they are used in sentences.
Adverbs are words that tell us when, how or where the action or process in a sentence takes place. This introduction covers the different types of adverbs and how they are used in sentences.
Using Spanish Adjectives as Adverbs
Some Spanish adjectives such as 'claro' are common used as adverbs, while other adjectives are used that way less frequently.
Some Spanish adjectives such as 'claro' are common used as adverbs, while other adjectives are used that way less frequently.
Saying 'Maybe' or 'Perhaps'
How to say 'maybe' or 'perhaps' in Spanish, with examples and their translations.
How to say 'maybe' or 'perhaps' in Spanish, with examples and their translations.
Adverbs of Affirmation
In Spanish as in English, adverbs of affirmation are used to affirm that what is said in a sentence is true, or to add emphasis.
In Spanish as in English, adverbs of affirmation are used to affirm that what is said in a sentence is true, or to add emphasis.
Making Adverbs from Adjectives
Spanish has countless adverbs that can be created from adjectives.
Spanish has countless adverbs that can be created from adjectives.
Spanish Verbs Not Ending in '-Mente'
Although most Spanish adverbs end in -mente, many do not. This list shows many of the most common.
Although most Spanish adverbs end in -mente, many do not. This list shows many of the most common.
Adverbs of Quantity
This Spanish lesson discusses the adverbs of quantity such as mucho, poco and casi.
This Spanish lesson discusses the adverbs of quantity such as mucho, poco and casi.
Here and There: Adverbs of Place
Broadly speaking, in English something can happen in one of two places: here or there. But Spanish has three equivalent choices.
Broadly speaking, in English something can happen in one of two places: here or there. But Spanish has three equivalent choices.
Double Negatives
Double negatives are a distinct no-no in English. But there's no such prohibition in Spanish. In fact, in many cases, use of double negatives is required. Even triple negatives are possible and common.
Double negatives are a distinct no-no in English. But there's no such prohibition in Spanish. In fact, in many cases, use of double negatives is required. Even triple negatives are possible and common.
Expressions of Frequency
This lesson for Spanish students covers expressions of frequency, indicating how often events occur. This includes terms such as the Spanish equivalents of "never," "always" and "sometimes."
This lesson for Spanish students covers expressions of frequency, indicating how often events occur. This includes terms such as the Spanish equivalents of "never," "always" and "sometimes."
Placement of Adverbs
As a general rule, Spanish adverbs (and adverbial phrases) usually are placed near the word they modify.
As a general rule, Spanish adverbs (and adverbial phrases) usually are placed near the word they modify.
Adverbial Phrases
Many times, Spanish speakers prefer using an adverbial phrase rather than an adverb ending in '-mente.'
Many times, Spanish speakers prefer using an adverbial phrase rather than an adverb ending in '-mente.'
'Atrás' or 'Detrás'?
The Spanish adverbs detrás and atrás are often confused because they have similar meanings and sometimes (but not always!) are used interchangeably.
The Spanish adverbs detrás and atrás are often confused because they have similar meanings and sometimes (but not always!) are used interchangeably.
Ways of Saying 'Very' in Spanish
Muy, a word meaning "very," is easy to overuse. Here are some alternatives for expressing the same concept.
Muy, a word meaning "very," is easy to overuse. Here are some alternatives for expressing the same concept.
Negation
Changing a Spanish sentence to a negative can be as easy as placing no before the main verb. It can also be more complex.
Changing a Spanish sentence to a negative can be as easy as placing no before the main verb. It can also be more complex.
Using 'No' in Spanish
A simple Spanish word like no can be deceptive. It looks and sounds like its English cognate, "no," and has a similar meaning. But there are some ways in which the Spanish no is used that will seem unfamiliar to English speakers.
A simple Spanish word like no can be deceptive. It looks and sounds like its English cognate, "no," and has a similar meaning. But there are some ways in which the Spanish no is used that will seem unfamiliar to English speakers.
Saying 'Again'
Although Spanish has no single word that means "again," it does have at least three common ways of expressing the concept.
Although Spanish has no single word that means "again," it does have at least three common ways of expressing the concept.
'Claro'
Claro is one of the most commonly used words in Spanish for expressing agreement.
Claro is one of the most commonly used words in Spanish for expressing agreement.
The Meaning of 'Ya'
An explanation of how the Spanish adverb ya is used, complete with numerous examples.
An explanation of how the Spanish adverb ya is used, complete with numerous examples.
'Tan' and 'Tanto'
Both tan and tanto are used in making comparisions. This lesson explains the difference in usage.
Both tan and tanto are used in making comparisions. This lesson explains the difference in usage.
Comparisons of Inequality
It isn't enough, sometimes, to say that someone runs fast. You might want to say the person runs faster, or faster than someone else. Here's how.
It isn't enough, sometimes, to say that someone runs fast. You might want to say the person runs faster, or faster than someone else. Here's how.