Manner Adverbs

Adverbs of manner describe how an action is performed and they give color to descriptions of behavior, appearance, sound, and more. This guide goes over common adverbs of manner and how to use them.

Formation

Many adverbs of manner are formed by adding -mente to an adjective's feminine singular form, turning rápida into rápidamente for "quickly". This pattern is consistent and helps you create adverbs when needed.

Placement

Adverbs of manner typically follow the verb they modify, so you say corrió rápidamente rather than placing the adverb at the sentence's start. They can also follow an object if there is one.

Common Adverbs

Common adverbs of manner include words like lentamente, cuidadosamente, fácilmente and they appear frequently in descriptions of actions in narratives, instructions, and everyday speech.

Spanish Example	English Translation
🍳 Corto las cebollas finamente para la salsa.	I chop the onions finely for the sauce.
🔥 Cocina la carne lentamente a fuego bajo.	Cook the meat slowly over low heat.
🌶️ Mezcla las especias vigorosamente antes de añadirlas.	Mix the spices vigorously before adding them.
🧼 Lávate las manos cuidadosamente antes de empezar.	Wash your hands carefully before starting.
🧴 Siempre cubro la masa ligeramente con un paño.	I always cover the dough lightly with a cloth.

Examples

Spanish Example	English Translation
🍯 Agrega el jarabe suavemente para no derretir la crema.	Add the syrup gently to avoid melting the cream.
🥄 Revuelve la sopa lentamente para no salpicar.	Stir the soup slowly to avoid splashing.
🔪 Corta las verduras rápidamente para que queden crujientes.	Cut the vegetables quickly so they stay crisp.
🍞 Extiende la mantequilla uniformemente sobre el pan.	Spread the butter evenly over the bread.
🔥 Ajusta el fuego gradualmente mientras cocinas.	Adjust the heat gradually while cooking.

Adjectives Used Adverbially

Some adjectives are used adverbially when they modify an entire clause or when they appear after verbs like estar or parecer. In such cases, they retain their adjective form rather than becoming an adverb.

Spanish Example	English Translation
🍵 La salsa se cocinó perfecto y quedó muy cremosa.	The sauce cooked perfectly and was very creamy.
🔥 El pollo se doró parejo en la sartén.	The chicken browned evenly in the pan.
🍰 La mezcla quedó ligera después de batirla mucho.	The batter became light after beating it a lot.
🥣 Cociné el arroz seco para que no quedara pegajoso.	I cooked the rice dry so it wouldn’t be sticky.
🌡️ Siempre precaliento el horno antes de empezar.	I always preheat the oven before starting.

Alternative Expressions

Manner can also be expressed with phrases like de manera que, de modo que, or with adverbial phrases depending on the nuance you want; these sometimes replace a single adverb for greater clarity.

Spanish Example	English Translation
🧴 Rocié el aceite sobre la ensalada en vez de usar mucho.	I sprayed oil on the salad instead of using a lot.
🥄 Añade un poco más de sal si hace falta.	Add a little more salt if needed.
🔪 Pica las hierbas finito para decorar.	Chop the herbs very finely to garnish.
🕒 Deja reposar la masa un rato antes de hornear.	Let the dough rest for a while before baking.
🧊 Enfría la salsa rápidamente con hielo.	Chill the sauce quickly with ice.

Summary

Adverbs of manner tell us how actions are done; most are formed with -mente added to the feminine adjective, they usually follow the verb, and familiar adverbs like rápidamente and cuidadosamente appear often in descriptions.

Last updated: Sun Sep 14, 2025