How to Say "intensely" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “intensely” is “duro” — use 'duro' when 'intensely' refers to a great amount of effort or difficulty in performing an action..
duro
/DOO-roh//ˈdu.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.
seriamente
/se-ri-a-MEN-te//seˈɾjamen̪te/
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. Severity
Related Translations
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