especialmente
/espeˌθjalˈmente/
The English word "especially" is translated into Spanish as especialmente. Wiktionary also lists sobre todo and máxime.
Meaning: particularly (adv)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| especialmente | /espeˌθjalˈmente/ /espeˌsjalˈmente/ |
| sobre todo | /sobɾe todo/ (from spelling rules) |
| máxime | /ˈmaɡsime/ |
| más | /ˈmas/ |
Which one should you use?
While especialmente is a standard choice, sobre todo can often be used interchangeably with it. The form máxime carries the additional sense of "even more so".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
If you wish to be more formal, you can use particularmente or en especial. The term máxime is highly formal and literary, making it rare in daily speech.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, speakers may interchange especialmente and sobre todo in both formal and informal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adverb especialmente is formed by adding the suffix -mente to the feminine form of the adjective especial.
How do you pronounce it?
/espeˌθjalˈmente/
Did you know?
- The highly formal word máxime is essentially a Latin fossil. It has remained virtually unchanged from the original Latin maximē.
Examples in context
- Tuvimos un invierno especialmente duro.We had an especially harsh winter.This sentence shows how to use especialmente to modify an adjective describing a season.Tatoeba #5886307 by albrusgher, translation #2368540 by AlanF_US
- Me gusta escuchar música, especialmente jazz.I like listening to music, especially jazz.This sentence demonstrates using especialmente to highlight a specific preference.Tatoeba #3225099 by Shishir, translation #256341 by CK
- Esto está diseñado especialmente para jóvenes.This is designed especially for young people.This sentence illustrates using especialmente to indicate a specific target audience.Tatoeba #4256263 by pipus_net, translation #55483 by CK
- Esta conferencia es particularmente interesante para los expertos en medicina.This conference is especially interesting for medical experts.
- Quiero agradecerle, especialmente, por su contribución a nuestra organización.I want to thank you, especially, for your contribution to our organization.
- Los platos italianos en este restaurante son deliciosos, pero en especial, recomendaría la lasaña.The Italian dishes at this restaurant are delicious, but especially, I would recommend the lasagna.
- Me encanta el cine, pero sobre todo, adoro las películas de acción.I love movies, but especially, I adore action films.
- Tengo que estudiar todas las asignaturas, pero especialmente matemáticas, porque me cuesta más.I have to study all subjects, but especially math, because it's more challenging for me.
- 39 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Sofía are discussing their weekend plans at a cafe.
- MateoSofía, ¿te gusta este café?Sofía, do you like this cafe?
- SofíaSí, me gusta especialmente el pastel.Yes, I especially like the cake.
- MateoA mí también me encanta.I love it too.
- SofíaEs un lugar especialmente acogedor.It is an especially cozy place.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “especially” translations and entries especialmente, sobre todo, máxime, más, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries especialmente, más, máxime, sobre, sobre todo, todo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
