Inklingo

How to Say "primarily" in Spanish

English → Spanish

principalmente

prin-ci-pal-MEN-tehpɾinsipalˈmente

adverbB1general
Use 'principalmente' when indicating the main reason, topic, or focus of an action, statement, or subject.
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.

fundamentalmente

foon-dah-men-tahl-MEN-tehfundamentallˈmente

adverbB1general
Use 'fundamentalmente' when emphasizing the core or essential basis upon which something depends or is built.
A basket filled primarily with red apples, with only one green apple at the very bottom.

Examples

El éxito depende fundamentalmente de tu constancia.

Success depends primarily on your perseverance.

Es fundamentalmente una cuestión de tiempo.

It is basically a matter of time.

Esta ley busca fundamentalmente proteger a los niños.

This law essentially seeks to protect children.

The '-mente' Ending

In Spanish, adding '-mente' to the feminine form of an adjective creates an adverb (a word that describes an action). It's just like adding '-ly' in English.

Stress and Pronunciation

Even though the word is long, the strongest emphasis is always on the 'MEN' syllable near the end.

Adjective vs. Adverb

Mistake: “El problema es fundamentalmente.”

Correction: El problema es fundamental. Use 'fundamental' (adjective) to describe a noun, and 'fundamentalmente' (adverb) to describe how something is done or to what degree.

Focus vs. Foundation

Learners often confuse 'principalmente' and 'fundamentalmente' by using them interchangeably. Remember that 'principalmente' highlights the main topic or reason, while 'fundamentalmente' points to the essential basis or core element.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.