accidentalmente
ahk-see-den-tal-MEN-teh
📝 In Action
Ella accidentalmente borró todos los archivos de su computadora.
A2She accidentally deleted all the files on her computer.
Si tocas este botón accidentalmente, la alarma se disparará.
B1If you accidentally touch this button, the alarm will go off.
Nos encontramos accidentalmente en el supermercado después de años.
B2We ran into each other accidentally (by chance) at the supermarket after years.
💡 Grammar Points
The '-mente' Rule
In Spanish, words ending in '-mente' are usually adverbs (like English words ending in '-ly'). They are formed by taking the feminine form of an adjective (like 'accidental') and adding '-mente'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Adverb Placement
Mistake: "Puse accidentalmente el libro en la mesa."
Correction: Accidentalmente puse el libro en la mesa. (Correction: While the adverb can sometimes be placed mid-sentence, placing it before the verb or at the beginning of the sentence often sounds more natural in Spanish.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Quick Alternative
For simple accidents, many native speakers use the phrase 'sin querer' (without wanting to) instead of the longer word 'accidentalmente'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: accidentalmente
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'accidentalmente' to describe an action without intent?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I form other Spanish adverbs like 'accidentalmente'?
It's a very easy pattern! Take the feminine form of any adjective (e.g., 'rápida' from 'rápido') and just add '-mente' to the end. For example: 'rápida' + '-mente' = 'rápidamente' (quickly).