Inklingo

How to Say "surely" in Spanish

English → Spanish

seguramente

seh-goo-rah-MEN-teh/se.ɣu.ɾaˈmen.te/

adverbA2
Use 'seguramente' when you are expressing a high probability or a strong likelihood that something will happen, implying a logical deduction or expectation.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration of a traditional wooden balance scale. The right side is heavily weighted down by a large, brightly colored stone, causing the scale to be tipped sharply down, visually representing high likelihood.

Examples

Si estudias mucho, seguramente aprobarás el examen.

If you study hard, you will surely pass the exam.

Si salimos ahora, seguramente llegaremos a tiempo.

If we leave now, we will probably arrive on time.

¿Viene María a la fiesta? Seguramente.

Is María coming to the party? Surely (Probably).

El presidente seguramente dará un discurso sobre este tema mañana.

The president will certainly give a speech about this topic tomorrow.

Adverb Placement

Like many Spanish adverbs, 'seguramente' can start the sentence, appear before the verb, or appear after the verb. Placing it at the start usually emphasizes the possibility.

Probability and Verb Forms

When 'seguramente' is used to express probability (not 100% certainty), advanced speakers sometimes use the special verb form (subjunctive), especially when it starts the sentence: 'Seguramente sea difícil' (It's probably difficult).

Confusing Adverb and Adjective

Mistake: “Trying to use *seguramente* to describe a person or object (e.g., 'El coche es seguramente').”

Correction: Use the adjective *seguro* ('El coche es seguro' - The car is safe), or use *seguramente* to modify an action ('Seguramente conduciré' - I will probably drive).

seguro

/seh-GOO-roh//seˈɣu.ɾo/

adverbB1informal
Use 'seguro' (often as 'seguro que') to express absolute certainty or conviction, almost like a guarantee, emphasizing that you are completely sure about something.
A person pointing at something off-screen with a look of certainty and discovery on their face.

Examples

Seguro que mañana hace buen tiempo.

Surely the weather will be good tomorrow.

Seguro que llueve mañana.

It'll surely rain tomorrow.

Si no estudias, seguro suspendes el examen.

If you don't study, you'll probably fail the exam.

De seguro nos vemos en la fiesta.

We'll surely see each other at the party.

Doesn't Change Form

When used this way to mean 'surely', 'seguro' never changes. It always stays 'seguro', no matter who you're talking about.

Seguro vs. Seguramente

The most common mistake is using 'seguramente' when you mean 'seguro que'. While 'seguramente' implies high probability, 'seguro que' conveys absolute certainty. Think of 'seguro' as a stronger, more confident assertion.

Related Translations

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