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.
Function of "ly" in English
In English, the suffix "ly" is added to adjectives to form adverbs. For example:
Absolute (adjective) -> Absolutely (adverb)
Quick (adjective) -> Quickly (adverb)
Function of "mente" in Spanish
In Spanish, the suffix "mente" is added to the feminine form of adjectives to form adverbs. For example:
Absoluto (adjective) -> Absolutamente (adverb)
Rápido (adjective) -> Rápidamente (adverb)
Let's see some examples
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"
Exceptions Include words like:
Actually ≠ Actualmente
Actually = Realmente Actualmente = Currently
Eventually ≠ Eventualmente
Eventually = Finalmente Eventualmente = Possibly
Click here for more information on False friends in English and Spanish