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How to Say "on purpose" in Spanish

English → Spanish

deliberadamente

/deh-lee-beh-rah-dah-MEN-teh//delibeɾaðaˈmente/

adverbB2general
Use this word when the action is done with clear intent and often implies a conscious decision, sometimes with a negative connotation.
A child carefully and slowly pouring water into a glass, focusing intently on the task to avoid spilling a single drop.

Examples

Él rompió el juguete deliberadamente porque estaba enojado.

He broke the toy on purpose because he was angry.

La empresa ignoró las advertencias de seguridad deliberadamente.

The company deliberately ignored the safety warnings.

El director eligió un final deliberadamente confuso para la película.

The director chose a deliberately confusing ending for the movie.

Creating '-mente' words

In Spanish, many words that describe 'how' you do something end in '-mente'. You make them by taking the feminine form of an adjective (like 'deliberada') and adding '-mente' to the end.

Where does the accent go?

Even though the word is long, the stress is always on the 'MEN' syllable. If the original adjective had an accent mark (like 'fácil'), the '-mente' version keeps it ('fácilmente'), but 'deliberada' doesn't have one, so 'deliberadamente' doesn't either.

Adjective vs. Adverb

Mistake: “Él es deliberadamente.”

Correction: Él es deliberado.

expresamente

/ex-pre-sa-MEN-te//ekspresaˈmente/

adverbB1general
Use this word to emphasize that an action was done for a specific, stated reason or purpose, often implying a special trip or effort.
A king pointing firmly to a specific spot on a scroll to show a clear and formal command.

Examples

He venido expresamente para hablar contigo.

I have come specifically to talk to you.

El reglamento prohíbe expresamente fumar en el edificio.

The regulations expressly prohibit smoking in the building.

Lo pedí expresamente sin picante.

I specifically asked for it without spicy sauce.

Adverb formation

This word is formed by taking the feminine form of the adjective 'expreso' (which is 'expresa') and adding the ending '-mente'. This is how Spanish turns many adjectives into adverbs.

Double Stress Rule

When you say this word, it sounds like it has two pulses of energy: one on 'PRE' and the main one on 'MEN'. This is typical for words ending in '-mente'.

Thinking it means 'quickly'

Mistake: “Using 'expresamente' to mean fast (like an express train).”

Correction: Use 'rápidamente' for speed. 'Expresamente' means 'with clear intent' or 'specifically,' not fast.

Spelling confusion

Mistake: “Spelling it with a 'c' like 'expressamente' in English.”

Correction: Remember that Spanish uses 'x' but avoids the double 's'. It is always 'expresamente'.

Intentional vs. Specific Purpose

Learners often confuse 'deliberadamente' and 'expresamente' by using 'expresamente' for any intentional act. Remember, 'expresamente' highlights a specific, stated reason for doing something, often involving a dedicated effort, whereas 'deliberadamente' simply means intentionally.

Related Translations

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