honestamente
/oh-nes-tah-MEN-tay/
honestly
Depicting the act of returning a lost item 'honestamente' (honestly).
📝 In Action
Ella siempre paga sus deudas honestamente.
A2She always pays her debts honestly.
El niño confesó honestamente que había roto el jarrón.
B1The boy honestly confessed that he had broken the vase.
Si trabajas honestamente, la gente te respetará.
B1If you work honestly, people will respect you.
💡 Grammar Points
Adverb Formation Pattern
Most adverbs that describe 'how' an action is done are formed by adding the ending '-mente' to the feminine singular form of the adjective (in this case, honesta + mente).
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on the Verb
Use 'honestamente' when you want to modify or describe the action of the verb, showing that the action itself was done in an honest way.
Using 'honestamente' (frankly) to introduce a direct and open statement.
📝 In Action
Honestamente, no entiendo por qué la gente está tan molesta.
B2Honestly, I don't understand why people are so upset.
Yo, honestamente, preferiría quedarme en casa hoy.
B2Frankly, I would prefer to stay home today.
El plan es bueno, pero honestamente, no tenemos el presupuesto.
C1The plan is good, but to be honest, we don't have the budget.
💡 Grammar Points
Sentence Adverb Placement
When 'honestamente' is used to modify the entire statement (not just the verb), it usually goes at the beginning or after the subject. Using a comma after it is common when starting a sentence.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up Adjective and Adverb
Mistake: "Using 'honesto' instead of 'honestamente' to modify the whole sentence (e.g., 'Honesto, no me gusta')."
Correction: Always use the full adverb form: 'Honestamente, no me gusta.' The '-mente' ending is essential here.
⭐ Usage Tips
Conversational Starter
Use 'Honestamente...' as a great way to introduce a potentially sensitive or critical opinion, signaling to the listener that you are about to be sincere and direct.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: honestamente
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'honestamente' to modify the entire idea being expressed (meaning 'frankly')?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'honestamente' the same as 'sinceramente'?
They are very similar synonyms and often interchangeable, especially when used to introduce an opinion ('to be honest/sincere'). 'Honestamente' focuses more on truthfulness and fairness in actions, while 'sinceramente' emphasizes genuine feeling and lack of pretense.
Can I use 'ser honesto' instead of 'honestamente'?
Yes, you can use the phrase 'Para ser honesto/a' (To be honest) as a good conversational replacement for the single adverb 'Honestamente,' especially in informal speech.