Many English adverbs end in "ly," and their Spanish equivalents often end in "mente." This correlation occurs because both suffixes serve the same grammatical function: they convert adjectives into adverbs, indicating the manner or degree to which an action is performed.
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Function of "ly" in English​​​
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In English, the suffix "ly" is added to adjectives to form adverbs. For example:
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Absolute (adjective) -> Absolutely (adverb)
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Quick (adjective) -> Quickly (adverb)
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Function of "mente" in Spanish​
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In Spanish, the suffix "mente" is added to the feminine form of adjectives to form adverbs. For example:
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Absoluto (adjective) -> Absolutamente (adverb)
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Rápido (adjective) -> Rápidamente (adverb)
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Let's see some examples
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Gradually = Gradualmente
Naturally = Naturalmente
Generally = Generalmente
Frequently = Frecuentemente
Constantly = Constantemente
Immediately = Inmediatamente
Finally = Finalmente
Perfectly = Perfectamente
Fortunately = Afortunadamente
Approximately = Aproximadamente​
Regularly = Regularmente
Specifically = Específicamente
Importantly = Importantemente
Simply = Simplemente
Completely = Completamente
Obviously = Obviamente
Seriously = Seriamente
Rapidly = Rápidamente
Generally = Generalmente
Exactly = Exactamente
Beware of "false friends"
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Exceptions Include words like:
Actually ≠ Actualmente
Actually = Realmente Actualmente = Currently
Eventually ≠ Eventualmente
Eventually = Finalmente Eventualmente = Possibly
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Click here for more information on False friends in English and Spanish
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