A large, brightly glowing red star sits in the center, drawing all attention, surrounded by several small, dull gray pebbles scattered on the ground.

principalmente

prin-ci-pal-MEN-teh

adverbB1

primarily?as the main reason or focus,mainly?the most important part

Also:mostly?generally speaking,chiefly?in a formal context

📝 In Action

El informe trata principalmente de los efectos del cambio climático en la agricultura.

The report deals primarily with the effects of climate change on agriculture.

Comemos principalmente frutas y verduras para mantenernos saludables.

We eat mainly fruits and vegetables to stay healthy.

Viajamos a España principalmente para visitar a la familia, pero también para ver los museos.

We traveled to Spain principally to visit family, but also to see the museums.

Word Connections

Synonyms

sobre todo (especially)
mayormente (mostly)
en esencia (essentially)

Common Collocations

afectar principalmente a – to mainly affect
causado principalmente por – primarily caused by

💡 Grammar Points

The '-mente' Adverb Pattern

This word is formed from the adjective 'principal' (main) plus the ending '-mente'. Adverbs ending in '-mente' are like English adverbs ending in '-ly' (e.g., 'quickly', 'slowly').

Always Invariable

As an adverb, 'principalmente' always stays the same. It does not change its ending to match the gender or number of the noun it relates to.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Adjective and Adverb

Mistake: "La razón principalemente..."

Correction: La razón principal... (The main reason...) or La razón es principalmente... (The reason is primarily...). Remember, '-mente' is for describing how something happens, not for describing a noun.

⭐ Usage Tips

Placement Flexibility

'Principalmente' can usually be placed before the verb, after the verb, or at the start of the sentence without changing the meaning, giving you flexibility in speech.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: principalmente

Question 1 of 2

Which word is the best synonym for 'principalmente'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

principal(main, chief) - adjective

príncipe(prince) - noun

principio(beginning, principle) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'principalmente' more formal than 'sobre todo'?

Yes, generally 'principalmente' is used in slightly more formal writing and speech when listing main points or reasons, while 'sobre todo' (especially/above all) is very common and often used for stronger emotional emphasis.

Can I use 'principalmente' at the beginning of a sentence?

Absolutely! It's a great way to introduce the main focus of what you are about to say. For example: 'Principalmente, queremos agradecer a los voluntarios.' (Primarily, we want to thank the volunteers.)