-mente
Adverbs in -mente
Adverbs ending in -mente are the Italian equivalent of English -ly adverbs (e.g., slowly, happily). They describe how an action is performed.
How It Works
Adverbs of manner in Italian are most commonly formed using the suffix -mente. This suffix originates from the Latin word mens (mind), which is why it usually attaches to the feminine form of the adjective.
1. Adjectives ending in -o/-a:
Generally, change the masculine -o to the feminine -a before adding the suffix.
- Lento (slow) → Lenta + mente = Lentamente
- Raro (rare) → Rara + mente = Raramente
Important Exceptions: A few adjectives ending in -lento form adverbs using -emente instead of -amente, as in violentemente (from violento). A few others drop their last vowel, as in leggermente (from leggero). A notable irregular form is altrimenti (otherwise).
2. Adjectives ending in -e:
Since the feminine and masculine forms are identical, simply add the suffix.
- Felice (happy) → Felicemente
- Forte (strong) → Fortemente
3. The Truncation Rule (-le/-re):
If an adjective ends in -le or -re and is preceded by a vowel, the final -e is dropped.
- Facile (easy) → Facilmente
- Particolare (particular) → Particolarmente
4. Adjectives used as Adverbs:
In many common expressions, the adjective itself is used as an adverb without any suffix. Common examples include parlare piano (to speak softly) or correre forte (to run fast).
Usage and Style:
To avoid heavy sentences, native speakers often swap -mente adverbs for phrases like in modo + adjective (e.g., in modo veloce) or con + noun (e.g., con cura).
Examples (5)
- Il professore spiega la lezione molto chiaramente.
The professor explains the lesson very clearly.
Word by Word: The professor explains the lesson very clearly.
Chiaramente is formed from the feminine adjective 'chiara' (clear).
- Dobbiamo agire velocemente per risolvere il problema.
We must act quickly to solve the problem.
Word by Word: We must act quickly for to solve the problem.
Velocemente comes from 'veloce'. Since it ends in -e, we just add -mente.
- Puoi finire questo compito facilmente.
You can finish this task easily.
Word by Word: You can finish this task easily.
Facilmente follows the truncation rule: 'facile' ends in -le preceded by a vowel, so the -e is dropped.
- Si è comportato gentilmente con tutti gli ospiti.
He behaved kindly toward all the guests.
Word by Word: He himself is behaved kindly with all the guests.
Gentilmente is formed from 'gentile', dropping the final -e.
- Raramente vado al cinema durante la settimana.
I rarely go to the cinema during the week.
Word by Word: Rarely I go to the cinema during the week.
Raramente is formed from the feminine 'rara'.
Common Mistakes
Using the masculine form of the adjective.
LentomenteLentamenteYou must always use the feminine singular form (ending in -a) for adjectives that end in -o.
Forgetting to drop the -e in -le/-re adjectives.
FacilementeFacilmenteAdjectives ending in -le or -re preceded by a vowel must drop the final -e before adding -mente.
Making a -mente adverb from 'buono'.
Different MeaningLei canta buonamente.Lei canta bene.'Buonamente' is a real but rare word meaning in good faith or with good nature, not 'well'. The adverb for 'well' is irregular: 'bene'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To form adverbs in -mente, you must first understand how Italian adjectives are categorized and how to derive their feminine singular forms. Additionally, you need to know the specific truncation rules for adjectives ending in -le and -re.
Related Patterns
- Adjective Agreement
Understanding adjective agreement is essential because -mente adverbs are built using the feminine singular form of the adjective.
Level 1 - bene / buonoBene vs. Buono
Learners often confuse adverbs and adjectives; 'bene' is the most common adverb of manner and does not use the -mente suffix.
Level 1 - molto / poco / troppoAdverbs of Degree
These are adverbs of degree that often modify -mente adverbs (e.g., 'molto lentamente').
Level 1
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice -mente in Bubblegum
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