Inklingo

How to Say "naturally" in Spanish

English → Spanish

obviamente

/ob-bvee-ah-MEN-te//oβbjamente/

adverbA2general
Use this when 'naturally' means 'obviously' or 'clearly,' indicating a logical and expected consequence.
A colorful storybook illustration of a small person pointing emphatically upwards at a very large, bright yellow sun in a clear blue sky, symbolizing something evident or obvious.

Examples

Obviamente, si no estudias, reprobarás el examen.

Obviously, if you don't study, you will fail the exam.

¿Vas a ir a la fiesta? — ¡Obviamente!

Are you going to the party? — Of course!

El vestido es demasiado grande. Obviamente, necesito una talla más pequeña.

The dress is too big. Evidently, I need a smaller size.

The '-mente' Rule

Most Spanish words that end in '-mente' are adverbs and act exactly like English words ending in '-ly'. 'Obviamente' comes from the adjective 'obvio' (obvious).

Confusing Adjectives and Adverbs

Mistake: “Muchos estudiantes usan 'obvio' en lugar de 'obviamente' para modificar una frase entera. (e.g., 'Obvio, no quiero ir.')”

Correction: Use the full adverb form: 'Obviamente, no quiero ir.' (Obviously, I don't want to go.) Although the short form is common informally, the full adverb is standard and correct.

naturalmente

nah-too-rahl-MEHN-teh/na.tu.ralˈmen.te/

adverbA2general
Use this when 'naturally' means 'as expected' or 'of course,' often in response to a question, or when describing something happening in an unforced, inherent way.
A cartoon hand giving a clear thumbs up gesture against a solid background, symbolizing agreement or confirmation.

Examples

— ¡Naturalmente! ¿Crees que me perdería la fiesta?

— Of course! Do you think I would miss the party?

¿Vas a venir a la cena? — ¡Naturalmente!

Are you coming to dinner? — Of course!

Necesitas estudiar para el examen. Naturalmente, si quieres aprobar.

You need to study for the test. Naturally, if you want to pass.

Si llueve, naturalmente, tendremos que cancelar el picnic.

If it rains, obviously, we will have to cancel the picnic.

Placement in the Sentence

This word is flexible. It can go at the beginning or end of a sentence, or even interrupt the middle, to add a tone of certainty or obviousness.

Modifying Verbs

Like most Spanish adverbs ending in '-mente', this word tells you how an action is performed, describing the manner (e.g., 'She speaks naturally' means her way of speaking is natural).

Confusing Adjective and Adverb

Mistake: “Using 'es natural' when describing an action: 'Ella habla natural.'”

Correction: The action needs an adverb: 'Ella habla naturalmente.' (She speaks naturally.) The adjective 'natural' is only for describing nouns (e.g., 'El sabor es natural').

lógico

adjectiveB1informal
Use this when 'naturally' implies something is the logical or expected outcome, often used as an interjection confirming an obvious point.

Examples

— Terminaré el proyecto hoy. — ¡Lógico!

— I'll finish the project today. — Obviously! / That's logical!

Confusing 'Obviamente' and 'Naturalmente'

Learners often confuse 'obviamente' and 'naturalmente' when 'naturally' means 'obviously' or 'as expected.' While both can work, 'obviamente' is a direct equivalent for 'obviously,' whereas 'naturalmente' can also mean 'in a natural way,' so choose based on the exact nuance you want to convey.

Related Translations

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