Degree adverbs (adverbios de grado) in Spanish indicate the intensity, degree, or extent of an action, adjective, or another adverb. They answer questions like “to what extent?” or “how much?” Common degree adverbs include muy (very), más (more), menos (less), poco (a little), and demasiado (too much).
Rules
Degree adverbs can modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They usually go directly before the word they modify.
- When modifying an adjective or adverb, degree adverbs always come before the word.
- When modifying a verb, degree adverbs generally come before the verb, but can also appear after for emphasis.
- No agreement is needed; degree adverbs are invariable.
- To form comparatives with degree, use más ... que (more ... than) or menos ... que (less ... than).
Examples
Here are examples of degree adverbs modifying verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs.
| Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|
| Ella trabaja mucho. | She works a lot. |
| Estoy muy cansado. | I am very tired. |
| Habla demasiado rápido. | He speaks too fast. |
| Ellos comen poco. | They eat a little. |
| Tengo más hambre que tú. | I am hungrier than you. |
Common Prefix: Re-
The prefix re- can be added to some degree adverbs to mean “very” or “really,” especially in informal speech (e.g., rebueno = really good).
Comparison with Intensity Rules
Degree adverbs specifically indicate how much or to what degree something happens, focusing on quantity rather than manner (how it is done) or frequency (how often it is done).
Usage Tips
- Use muy with adjectives and adverbs to mean “very.”
- Use más ... que and menos ... que for comparative degrees.
- Demasiado means “too much” and implies excess.
- Poco means “a little” or “not much.”
- Avoid using two degree adverbs together (e.g., muy demasiado is incorrect).
Summary
- Degree adverbs modify verbs, adjectives, or adverbs to express intensity or quantity.
- Common degree adverbs are muy, más, menos, poco, and demasiado.
- They usually precede the word they modify.
- Use más ... que and menos ... que for comparisons.
- Demasiado indicates excess; poco indicates scarcity.
What do degree adverbs modify in a sentence?
Verbs, adjectives, or adverbs
Degree adverbs can modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate the degree or intensity of an action or quality.
What does the degree adverb 'demasiado' mean?
Too much
'Demasiado' indicates an excessive amount or degree, suggesting that something goes beyond what is desirable.
I am hungrier than you.
Tengo más hambre que tú.
'Más ... que' is used to compare degrees, meaning 'more ... than'.
Flashcards (1 of 5)
- English Example: She works a lot.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
