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How to Say "honestly" in Spanish

English → Spanish

honestamente

/oh-nes-tah-MEN-tay//o.nes.taˈmen.te/

adverbA2general
Use this word when describing an action that is performed in a truthful, fair, or lawful manner.
A sincere child is returning a bright red ball to a grateful adult, illustrating an honest action.

Examples

Ella siempre paga sus deudas honestamente.

She always pays her debts honestly.

El niño confesó honestamente que había roto el jarrón.

The boy honestly confessed that he had broken the vase.

Si trabajas honestamente, la gente te respetará.

If you work honestly, people will respect you.

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).

sinceramente

sin-seh-ra-MEN-tay/sinθeˈɾamente/

adverbB1general
Use this word when you want to emphasize that you are giving your genuine, truthful opinion or feeling about something.
A young person standing with a gentle smile, placing one hand over their chest near the heart, symbolizing a sincere or heartfelt expression.

Examples

Sinceramente, creo que fue un error.

Honestly, I think it was a mistake.

Te agradezco sinceramente por venir a la fiesta.

I sincerely thank you for coming to the party.

Si me preguntas sinceramente, no me gusta su nueva canción.

If you ask me frankly, I don't like his new song.

Forming Adverbs

Spanish adverbs often end in '-mente.' You form them by taking the feminine form of an adjective (sincera) and adding '-mente.' This ending is like adding '-ly' in English.

Placement

Adverbs of manner usually go after the verb they describe (Te agradezco sinceramente) or at the beginning of the sentence if they modify the whole idea (Sinceramente, creo...).

Omitting the Accent

Mistake: “Writing 'sinceramente' without the accent mark on the first 'e'.”

Correction: The accent on the original adjective 'sincero' or 'sincera' is lost when '-mente' is added, but the stress pattern remains the same: sin-ce-RA-men-te. However, the Real Academia Española dictates that *sinceramente* does not carry a written accent.

francamente

FRAHN-kah-MEHN-tay/fɾaŋkaˈmente/

adverbB1general
Use this word to introduce a candid, direct, and often forthright statement, similar to 'frankly' or 'to be honest'.
A figure gently holding a stylized mask away from their face, revealing a clear, open expression underneath, symbolizing honesty.

Examples

Francamente, creo que la película fue aburrida.

Frankly, I think the movie was boring.

Dime francamente lo que piensas de mi idea, no quiero mentiras.

Tell me honestly what you think of my idea; I don't want lies.

Para ser sincero, francamente no esperaba un resultado tan bueno.

To be sincere, honestly I didn't expect such a good result.

Adverbs Ending in -mente

Most Spanish adverbs that describe how something is done end in '-mente.' They are formed by taking the feminine form of an adjective (like 'franca') and adding '-mente.' They always stay the same, regardless of who is speaking or how many people are involved.

Placement is Flexible

Mistake: “Using 'francamente' only at the beginning of the sentence.”

Correction: While common at the start, you can place it after the verb for emphasis: 'Me lo dijo francamente.' (He told me it frankly.)

Choosing between 'honestamente' and 'sinceramente'

Learners often confuse 'honestamente' and 'sinceramente'. Remember that 'honestamente' usually describes *how* an action is done (e.g., paying honestly), while 'sinceramente' emphasizes the truthfulness of an opinion or feeling.

Related Translations

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