Spanish grammar: adverbios de modo

What this grammar point covers

Adverbios de modo are Spanish words that describe how an action happens. They answer the question 'How?' about a verb.

When to use it

Use adverbios de modo in Spanish to explain in what manner or way something is done. They help make your sentences more precise and detailed.

Key forms

• Many adverbios de modo end in -mente, for example: rápidamente, fácilmente.
• Some are irregular or do not use -mente, like: bien, mal, despacio, así.

Examples

Tips

• Usually, adverbios de modo come after the verb in Spanish.
• To form many adverbs, take the feminine form of an adjective and add -mente (e.g., lenta → lentamente).
• Do not use both the adjective and adverb form together (e.g., do not say 'rápido rápidamente').

Exceptions and edge cases

• Some adverbs do not use -mente, like 'bien' and 'mal'.
• A few adverbs have irregular forms or do not come from adjectives, such as 'así' or 'despacio'.