What is the difference between "mayormente", "principalmente" in Spanish?

The English word 'mainly' can be translated into Spanish in a few ways, depending on the nuance. While 'mayormente' and 'principalmente' are often interchangeable, they can subtly shift the focus of your sentence.

How to Say "mainly" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “mainly” is “mayormente” — use 'mayormente' when referring to the largest part or the most common element within a group or composition.

mayormente🔊B1

Use 'mayormente' when referring to the largest part or the most common element within a group or composition.

Learn more →

principalmente🔊B1

Use 'principalmente' when highlighting the most important aspect, topic, or reason among several.

Learn more →

English → Spanish

mayormente

mah-yor-MEN-tehmaʝoɾˈmente

adverbB1general

Use 'mayormente' when referring to the largest part or the most common element within a group or composition.

A basket full of shiny red apples with a single green apple tucked into the corner.

Examples

El público estaba compuesto mayormente por jóvenes.

The audience was mostly made up of young people.

La película me gustó mayormente por la música.

I liked the movie mainly because of the music.

En esta región, el clima es mayormente seco.

In this region, the climate is mostly dry.

Creating Adverbs

Spanish creates many adverbs (words that describe how or how much) by adding '-mente' to the feminine form of an adjective. Since 'mayor' ends in a consonant, you just add '-mente' directly to it.

Where to Put It

You can place 'mayormente' before the word it describes (like an adjective or another adverb) or after a verb to clarify that the action happens 'mostly' in a certain way.

Mayor vs. Mayormente

Mistake: “El grupo era mayor de estudiantes.”

Correction: El grupo era mayormente de estudiantes.

See full entry for “mayormente” →

principalmente

prin-ci-pal-MEN-tehpɾinsipalˈmente

adverbB1general

Use 'principalmente' when highlighting the most important aspect, topic, or reason among several.

A large, brightly glowing red star sits in the center, drawing all attention, surrounded by several small, dull gray pebbles scattered on the ground.

Examples

El informe trata principalmente de los efectos del cambio climático en la agricultura.

The report deals primarily with the effects of climate change on agriculture.

Comemos principalmente frutas y verduras para mantenernos saludables.

We eat mainly fruits and vegetables to stay healthy.

Viajamos a España principalmente para visitar a la familia, pero también para ver los museos.

We traveled to Spain principally to visit family, but also to see the museums.

The '-mente' Adverb Pattern

This word is formed from the adjective 'principal' (main) plus the ending '-mente'. Adverbs ending in '-mente' are like English adverbs ending in '-ly' (e.g., 'quickly', 'slowly').

Always Invariable

As an adverb, 'principalmente' always stays the same. It does not change its ending to match the gender or number of the noun it relates to.

Confusing Adjective and Adverb

Mistake: “La razón principalemente...”

Correction: La razón principal... (The main reason...) or La razón es principalmente... (The reason is primarily...). Remember, '-mente' is for describing how something happens, not for describing a noun.

See full entry for “principalmente” →

Choosing Between 'Mayormente' and 'Principalmente'

Learners often confuse these two when 'mainly' refers to the most important point. Remember, 'mayormente' emphasizes quantity or composition (the biggest part), while 'principalmente' emphasizes importance or focus (the main topic/reason).

Related Translations

chiefly→mostly→primarily→

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.