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How to Say "frequently" in Spanish

English → Spanish

frecuentemente

fray-kwen-tay-MEN-tayfɾekwen̪teˈmen̪te

adverbA2formal
Use this direct cognate when you want to emphasize that an action happens on many occasions, often with a sense of regularity.
A row of several identical watering cans pouring water onto a row of many flourishing flowers.

Examples

Frecuentemente visito a mis abuelos los domingos.

I frequently visit my grandparents on Sundays.

Esta situación ocurre frecuentemente en las grandes ciudades.

This situation happens often in big cities.

Los científicos revisan los datos frecuentemente para asegurar su precisión.

Scientists check the data frequently to ensure its accuracy.

The '-mente' Pattern

In Spanish, adding '-mente' to the end of an adjective is just like adding '-ly' to an English word. It turns a description (frequent) into an action-describer (frequently).

Flexible Placement

You can place this word at the beginning of a sentence, right after the verb, or at the very end. The meaning stays the same, though putting it at the start adds a bit of emphasis.

Using the wrong vowel

Mistake: “frecuentamente”

Correction: frecuentemente (The root word is 'frecuente', so we keep the 'e' before adding the suffix).

Overusing it in casual talk

Mistake: “Using 'frecuentemente' in a very casual chat with friends.”

Correction: While not 'wrong,' native speakers prefer 'a menudo' or 'seguido' in casual conversation. 'Frecuentemente' sounds a bit more like a textbook or a news report.

seguido

seh-GEE-dohseˈgi.ðo

adverbB1informal
Choose this adverb when an action is repeated many times in succession or as a regular habit, often implying 'often' or 'repeatedly'.
A child is repeatedly bouncing a bright blue ball. The image visually overlays three slightly transparent versions of the ball at different points in the bounce arc, emphasizing frequent repetition.

Examples

Vamos al mercado seguido a comprar frutas frescas.

We go to the market often to buy fresh fruit.

Me encuentro con él muy seguido en el gimnasio.

I run into him very frequently at the gym.

Si comes eso tan seguido, te va a hacer daño.

If you eat that so often, it's going to hurt you.

Adverbs Stay the Same

When 'seguido' is used as an adverb meaning 'often,' it is always 'seguido'—it never changes its ending to match the verb or anything else in the sentence. It is 'invariable'.

Confusing Adverb and Adjective

Mistake: “Hablamos seguidas por teléfono (trying to say 'We talk often').”

Correction: Hablamos seguido por teléfono. (As an adverb, it must stay 'seguido'.)

Frecuentemente vs. Seguido

Learners often confuse these by using 'frecuentemente' in very informal, everyday contexts where 'seguido' would sound more natural. While 'frecuentemente' is always correct for 'frequently', 'seguido' is a common, slightly more casual alternative for 'often' or 'repeatedly'.

Related Translations

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