suavemente
/ˌswabeˈmente/
The English phrase "gently" can be translated into Spanish as suavemente or mansamente.
Meaning: in a gentle manner (adv)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| suavemente | /ˌswabeˈmente/ |
| mansamente | /ˌmansaˈmente/ |
suavemente is the standard adverb used to describe physical movements that are soft, smooth or lacking force.
What does it mean word for word?
suavemente is derived from the adjective suave, meaning smooth, soft or mild. The suffix -mente is used to turn adjectives into adverbs, equivalent to the English suffix "-ly".
Which one should you use?
While both mean gently, mansamente often carries a connotation of being meek, submissive or docile rather than just a physical lightness of touch.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, con dulzura is frequently used to indicate gentleness.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌswabeˈmente/
Did you know?
- In Spanish grammar, when you use two adverbs ending in -mente in a row, you only attach the suffix to the last one. For example, 'slowly and gently' becomes lenta y suavemente.
- The word suave is a cognate of the English word 'suave'. While the English term describes a sophisticated person, the Spanish original simply means 'soft' or 'gentle'.
- The word suavemente shares a common ancestor with the English word 'sweet', as both trace back to an ancient root meaning 'pleasant' or 'smooth'.
Examples in context
- Vierta el aderezo sobre la ensalada y mezcle suavemente.Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.This sentence is useful for describing how to mix ingredients suavemente.Tatoeba #5889738 by albrusgher, translation #2980057 by Hybrid
- La sotana del sacerdote se ondulaba suavemente en el viento.The priest's cassock billowed gently in the wind.This sentence shows how something can move suavemente in the wind.Tatoeba #972314 by hayastan, translation #607461 by darinmex
- Un céfiro veraniego agitó suavemente el cabello de la niña mientras hablaba.A summer zephyr gently stirred the girl's hair as she spoke.This sentence illustrates a gentle physical sensation using suavemente.Tatoeba #10076923 by manufrutos, translation #10076683 by kindpanda
- Por favor, maneje los documentos delicadamente.Please handle the documents gently.
- Trate de abrir la ventana con suavidad.Try to open the window gently.
- Trata de colocar el jarrón suavemente sobre la mesa.Try to place the vase gently on the table.
- Muéstrame cómo se hace con cariño.Show me how to do it gently (with care).
- Abre la puerta de manera suave, por favor.Open the door gently, please.
- Háblale con dulzura para que te entienda mejor.Talk to him/her gently for him/her to understand you better.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo is helping Elena move a fragile box.
- ElenaPor favor, cierra la caja suavemente.Please, close the box gently.
- MateoEstá bien, Elena. Lo haré con cuidado.Okay, Elena. I will do it carefully.
- ElenaGracias, Mateo. Es muy frágil.Thank you, Mateo. It is very fragile.
- MateoNo te preocupes, la moveré suavemente.Don't worry, I will move it gently.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gently” translations and entries suavemente, mansamente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mansamente, suavemente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
