Topic Adverbs + -mente

Adverbs are words used to modify or describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

In English, most adverbs end in -ly.

• Slowly           lentamente
• Quickly         rápidamente
• Softly            suavemente
• Perfectly      perfectamente

In Spanish, the most common ending for adverbs is -mente and do not change with gender or number.

Adverbs modify verbs, adjectives and other adverbs.

To form an adverb is very easy. Use the feminine form of an adjective, rápido/a & add -mente.

• lento/a (slow)             lentamente (slowly)
• rápido/a (quick)          rápidamente (quickly)
• perfecto/a (perfect)     perfectamente (perfectly)

In the case of gender neutral adjectives, just add -mente.

• Difícil                         difícilmente
• fácil                            fácilmente
• feliz                            felizmente
• triste                            tristemente

Carlos tenía prisa y comió rápidamente.
Carlos was in a hurry and ate quickly.

Mis perros corren felizmente por el patio.
My dogs run happily throughout the yard.

Marcela habla lentamente porque Juan no la entiende.
Marcela speaks slowly because Juan does not understand her.

If an adverb modifies an adjective, the adverb is placed before the adjective.

• La tarea está perfectamente clara.
  The homework is perfectly clear.

If there are two or more adverbs modifying the same word, the last adverb ends in -mente.

• Sabrina terminó su examen, rápida y felizmente.
  Sabrina finished her test, rapidly, and happily.