Inklingo

How to Say "formally" in Spanish

English → Spanish

formalmente

/for-mahl-MEN-teh//foɾmalˈmente/

adverbB1formal
Use 'formalmente' when the manner of the action is serious, official, or adheres to established etiquette, often implying a significant or ceremonial event.
A person wearing a professional suit and tie, standing in a composed and serious posture.

Examples

Me invitaron formalmente a la gala.

They formally invited me to the gala.

El presidente saludó formalmente a los visitantes.

The president officially greeted the visitors.

Para esta cena, necesitamos vestirnos formalmente.

For this dinner, we need to dress formally.

The '-mente' Trick

In Spanish, adding '-mente' to the end of a feminine adjective is just like adding '-ly' to an English word. Since 'formal' ends in a consonant and doesn't change for gender, you just add '-mente' directly to it.

Where it goes in a sentence

This word usually comes right after the action (the verb) it is describing. For example: 'Él habló formalmente' (He spoke formally).

Using 'en una manera' too much

Mistake: “Habló en una manera formal.”

Correction: Habló formalmente. While the first isn't strictly wrong, using the '-mente' version is more natural and elegant for Spanish speakers.

oficialmente

/o-fi-sial-MEN-te//ofisjalˈmente/

adverbB1formal
Choose 'oficialmente' when an action has been officially declared, announced, or enacted by an authority or according to protocol.
A close-up view of a hand pressing a large, ornate, round official seal onto a simple white document, symbolizing authorization.

Examples

La reunión se canceló oficialmente esta mañana.

The meeting was officially canceled this morning.

Necesitamos que la información sea confirmada oficialmente por la oficina central.

We need the information to be officially confirmed by the central office.

Oficialmente, el plazo termina el viernes, pero podemos esperar hasta el lunes.

Officially, the deadline ends on Friday, but we can wait until Monday.

Adverb Formation

This word is an adverb, which means it tells you HOW an action is done. In Spanish, many adverbs are formed by taking the feminine form of an adjective ('oficial' is the same for both genders, but imagine 'rápida') and adding '-mente'.

Using the Adjective Instead

Mistake: “La reunión fue oficial cancelada.”

Correction: La reunión fue oficialmente cancelada. Always use the '-mente' form when modifying a verb (like 'cancelada').

Formalmente vs. Oficialmente

Learners often confuse these by using 'formalmente' when something has been officially announced or decreed. Remember, 'oficialmente' is for actions that carry official weight or authority, like a cancellation or a new law, while 'formalmente' describes the manner of an invitation or a greeting.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.