A simple storybook illustration showing a human hand placing a chocolate chip cookie next to a steaming cup of coffee on a clean table, symbolizing the addition of a second item.

además

/ah-deh-MAHS/

besides?Adding a new piece of information,in addition?Adding a supporting point,furthermore?Slightly more formal, used to add weight to an argument,what's more?A conversational way to add an extra point

Also:also?A simple way to add something else,on top of that?Informal, similar to 'what's more'

📝 In Action

Quiero un café y, además, una galleta.

I want a coffee and, in addition, a cookie.

No tengo tiempo. Además, estoy muy cansado.

I don't have time. Besides, I'm very tired.

Además de ser inteligente, es muy amable.

Besides being intelligent, he is very kind.

El informe debe ser entregado el lunes; además, tiene que estar firmado por el director.

The report must be turned in on Monday; furthermore, it has to be signed by the director.

Word Connections

Synonyms

también (also, too)
asimismo (likewise, also)
encima (on top of that (often informal))

Common Collocations

además de – in addition to, besides
y además – and also, and on top of that

💡 Grammar Points

Adding a New Idea

Use 'además' to add another piece of information to what you've already said. It's like a signal to your listener that says, 'Here comes another point!'

The Power of 'Además de'

When you see 'además de', it means 'in addition to' or 'besides'. It's followed by the thing you're adding on to. For example: 'Además de español, hablo inglés' (Besides Spanish, I speak English).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Mixing up 'además' and 'más'

Mistake: "Me gusta el helado y quiero además."

Correction: Me gusta el helado y, además, quiero una galleta. (I like ice cream and, in addition, I want a cookie.) OR 'Quiero más helado.' (I want more ice cream.)

⭐ Usage Tips

A Great Sentence Starter

'Además' is a perfect word to start a sentence when you're making an argument or telling a story. It smoothly connects your new sentence to the one you just said.

Use Commas

When 'además' starts a sentence or clause, it's usually followed by a comma. For example: 'La película fue larga. Además, fue aburrida.' (The movie was long. Furthermore, it was boring.) This little pause helps the listener follow your train of thought.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: además

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'además' to correctly add a supporting idea?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

más(more) - adverb

demás(the rest, the others) - adjective/pronoun

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between 'además' and 'también'?

They're very similar! Think of 'también' as a simple 'also' or 'too'. 'Además' is a bit stronger, like 'in addition' or 'what's more'. You use 'además' to add a new, often more important, piece of information that builds on what you just said.

Can I start a sentence with 'además'?

Yes, absolutely! It's very common. When you do, remember to put a comma after it. For example: 'No me gustó la comida. Además, el servicio fue muy lento.' (I didn't like the food. In addition, the service was very slow.)