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How to Say "especially" in Spanish

English → Spanish

especialmente

/es-peh-sial-MEN-teh//espeˈsjalmente/

adverbB1general
Use 'especialmente' when 'especially' means 'above all,' 'very,' or 'particularly' in a general sense, often emphasizing a strong liking or characteristic.
A simple illustration showing four identical red apples in a row, with one large, brightly glowing golden apple placed prominently in the center, indicating selection or special emphasis.

Examples

Me encanta viajar, especialmente a lugares con playa.

I love to travel, especially to places with beaches.

Me encantó la película, especialmente el final inesperado.

I loved the movie, especially the unexpected ending.

Necesitamos ser muy cuidadosos con este proyecto, especialmente en los costos.

We need to be very careful with this project, particularly regarding the costs.

Especialmente, te pido que seas puntual mañana.

Above all, I ask you to be punctual tomorrow.

Adverb Form

Most adverbs in Spanish that end in '-mente' are built by adding this ending to the feminine form of an adjective. Here, 'especial' is an adjective that stays the same for masculine and feminine, so the adverb is built directly: 'especial' + '-mente'.

Placement Error

Mistake: “Poner 'especialmente' entre el verbo y su objeto: 'Ella habló especialmente de sus metas.'”

Correction: Try to place 'especialmente' before the word it modifies or at the beginning or end of the sentence: 'Ella habló de sus metas, especialmente.' or 'Ella habló especialmente de sus metas.' (The first option is often more natural for beginners.)

particularmente

/par-ti-koo-lar-men-te//paɾtikulaɾˈmente/

adverbB1general
Use 'particularmente' when 'especially' is used to single out one specific item or aspect from a larger group, similar to 'in particular' or 'specifically'.
Five red apples are lined up in a row on a green surface. The apple in the center is glowing brightly with golden light, highlighting it among the others.

Examples

Prefiero las películas de ciencia ficción, particularmente las que tratan sobre viajes en el tiempo.

I prefer science fiction movies, particularly those about time travel.

Me gusta la comida italiana, particularmente la pasta.

I like Italian food, particularly the pasta.

Este proyecto fue difícil para todos, pero particularmente para María.

This project was difficult for everyone, but especially for Maria.

Necesitamos enfocarnos en el último capítulo, particularmente en los ejercicios de gramática.

We need to focus on the last chapter, specifically on the grammar exercises.

Adverb Placement

Like many adverbs ending in '-mente,' 'particularmente' usually goes either right before the adjective it modifies ('particularmente interesante') or after the verb it modifies ('Me afectó particularmente').

Overuse of 'Muy'

Mistake: “Usar 'muy particularmente' (Very particularly).”

Correction: Since 'particularmente' already emphasizes something, using 'muy' (very) before it is usually unnecessary and sounds awkward. Just use 'particularmente'.

General vs. Specific Emphasis

Learners often confuse these when the English word 'especially' could fit both. If you're emphasizing a general feeling or characteristic, use 'especialmente'. If you're singling out one specific item or detail from a group, 'particularmente' is usually the better choice.

Related Translations

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