How to Say "mainly" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “mainly” is “principalmente” — B1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
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.
Related Translations
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