Frequency adverbs express how often an action takes place. In Spanish, these adverbs help describe the regularity of events and are essential for providing context in conversations.
- Indicate the regularity of actions.
- Are placed differently in sentences compared to English.
- Include terms like siempre, normalmente, a veces, rara vez, nunca.
Common Frequency Adverbs
Common frequency adverbs include *siempre* (always), *a veces* (sometimes), and *nunca* (never).
| Spanish | English | Typical Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Siempre | Always | Before the main verb |
| Normalmente | Usually | Before the main verb |
| A menudo | Often | Before the main verb |
| A veces | Sometimes | At the beginning or middle |
| De vez en cuando | Occasionally | At the beginning or middle |
| Rara vez | Rarely | Before the main verb |
| Nunca | Never | Before the main verb |
Most frequency adverbs are placed before the main verb in Spanish.
Usage and Placement
Frequency adverbs are usually placed before the conjugated verb. If there is an auxiliary verb, the adverb goes between the auxiliary and the main verb. A few, like a veces, can also appear at the beginning or end of a sentence for emphasis.
- Before the main verb: Ella siempre come fruta.
- Between auxiliaries: Ellos están siempre aprendiendo.
- Beginning/end for emphasis: A veces, voy al cine.
Adverbs like 'a veces' can be placed at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis.
Examples in Sentences
| Adverb | Spanish Example | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Siempre | Yo siempre estudio español. | I always study Spanish. |
| Normalmente | Ella normalmente llega tarde. | She usually arrives late. |
| A menudo | Nosotros comemos fuera a menudo. | We often eat out. |
| A veces | A veces veo televisión. | Sometimes I watch TV. |
| De vez en cuando | De vez en cuando viajo. | Occasionally, I travel. |
| Rara vez | Ellos rara vez salen. | They rarely go out. |
| Nunca | Nunca fumo. | I never smoke. |
Correct uses include 'Ella siempre sonríe,' 'A veces vamos a la playa,' and 'Nunca como pizza para el desayuno.'
Conclusion
Frequency adverbs are key to expressing how often things happen, adding nuance and precision to your Spanish.
- Common adverbs: siempre, nunca, a veces, normalmente, rara vez.
- Typically placed before the main verb, or between auxiliary and main verbs.
- Some can also be positioned at the start or end for emphasis.
Exercises
- List five Spanish frequency adverbs and their English meanings.
- Correctly place a frequency adverb in this sentence: (tú / trabajar / frecuentemente).
- Translate to Spanish: "She never drinks coffee," "We sometimes travel," and "He is usually happy."