How to Say "intensely" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “intensely” is “duro” — use 'duro' when describing an action performed with great effort or difficulty, often implying a physical or strenuous task.
duro
DOO-rohˈdu.ɾo
Examples
Tenemos que trabajar duro para terminar a tiempo.
We have to work hard to finish on time.
Estudió muy duro para el examen.
He/She studied very hard for the exam.
El sol pega duro hoy.
The sun is hitting hard today.
Always Stays the Same
When 'duro' describes how an action is done (like in 'trabajar duro'), it's an adverb. This means it NEVER changes. It's always 'duro', never 'dura' or 'duros'.
Making it Match
Mistake: “Mi hermana trabaja dura.”
Correction: Say 'Mi hermana trabaja duro.' Because 'duro' here describes *how* she works, not her as a person, it doesn't change.
duramente
doo-RAH-mehn-tehdu.ɾaˈmen.te
Examples
Ella trabajó duramente toda la semana para terminar el proyecto.
She worked hard all week to finish the project.
El profesor criticó duramente mi ensayo frente a la clase.
The teacher harshly criticized my essay in front of the class.
La tormenta golpeó duramente la costa norte del país.
The storm hit the northern coast of the country hard.
Adverbs Stay the Same
In Spanish, words ending in '-mente' are always the same. You don't need to change them to match masculine or feminine nouns because they describe the action (the verb), not the person.
The '-ly' Connection
The ending '-mente' is the Spanish equivalent of the English '-ly'. You can turn many adjectives into adverbs by taking the feminine form (dura) and adding '-mente'.
Using 'duro' vs. 'duramente'
Mistake: “Él trabaja duramente.”
Correction: Both 'Él trabaja duro' and 'Él trabaja duramente' are correct, but 'duro' is more common in casual conversation, while 'duramente' sounds a bit more formal or dramatic.
intensamente
een-ten-sah-MEN-tehintenˈsamente
Examples
Ella ama intensamente a sus hijos.
She loves her children intensely.
El equipo trabajó intensamente para ganar el campeonato.
The team worked hard to win the championship.
La luz del sol brilla intensamente sobre el mar.
The sunlight shines intensely over the sea.
The '-mente' ending
This ending is just like the English '-ly.' It turns a descriptive word (intenso) into a word that explains how an action is done.
Placement in a sentence
You usually place this word right after the action it is describing, such as 'Llovió intensamente' (It rained intensely).
Using the wrong word for 'very'
Mistake: “Es intensamente frío.”
Correction: Say 'Hace mucho frío' or 'Está muy frío.' Use 'intensamente' to describe an action or a feeling, not usually as a replacement for 'very' before an adjective.
seriamente
se-ri-a-MEN-teseˈɾjamen̪te
Examples
El accidente lo dejó seriamente herido.
The accident left him severely injured.
La economía está seriamente afectada por la crisis.
The economy is badly (or severely) affected by the crisis.
Su propuesta seriamente compromete nuestros recursos.
His proposal seriously compromises our resources.
Intensity Adverb
In this context, 'seriamente' acts like an intensifier, similar to 'very' or 'greatly,' but usually reserved for negative or weighty situations (e.g., injuries, financial problems, concerns).
Overuse in positive contexts
Mistake: “Estoy seriamente feliz.”
Correction: Estoy muy feliz. ('Seriamente' sounds awkward or dramatic when paired with positive feelings; use 'muy' or 'muchísimo' instead.)
Effort vs. Emotion
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