principalmente
/pɾĩ.siˌpawˈmẽ.t͡ʃi/
The English phrase 'mainly' is translated into Portuguese as principalmente.
principalmente is an adverb used to mean chiefly or certainly for the most part. You can also use the expression Em grande parte to describe something that is mainly true.
Meaning: chiefly, certainly for the most part (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The word principalmente is formed from the adjective principal (meaning main or principal) and the suffix -mente, which is the Portuguese equivalent of the English suffix '-ly'.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾĩ.siˌpawˈmẽ.tʃi/. It has 5 syllables, and the stress is on the 4th syllable.
Did you know?
- The root principal comes from the Latin princeps, meaning 'first'. This links the word for 'mainly' to the same root as the English word 'prince'.
- While English uses '-ly' to turn adjectives into adverbs, Portuguese uses the suffix -mente, which literally means 'mindfully' or 'with mind'.
- Portuguese speakers often use principalmente as a conversational 'intensifier' to add an afterthought or a specific example, even when the word 'mainly' would not fit naturally in English.
Examples in context
- O público consistia principalmente de estudantes.The audience consisted mainly of students.This sentence shows how to use principalmente to describe a group consisting mainly of students.Tatoeba #4734913 by carlosalberto, translation #277937 by CK
- Nosso professor nos ensina principalmente a trabalhar.Our teacher mainly teaches us how to work.This sentence shows how to use principalmente to describe what a teacher mainly teaches.Tatoeba #9982847 by carlosalberto, translation #9982865 by carlosalberto
- Os japoneses costumavam viver principalmente de arroz.The Japanese used to live mainly on rice.This sentence shows how to use principalmente to describe what people mainly lived on.Tatoeba #12148941 by Advanced, translation #281740 by CM
- O relatório se concentra principalmente nas tendências econômicas do país.The report mainly focuses on the country's economic trends.
- As políticas governamentais visam sobretudo a melhoria do sistema de saúde.Government policies mainly aim to improve the healthcare system.
- O evento foi um sucesso em grande parte graças à dedicação da equipe organizadora.The event was a success, mainly due to the dedication of the organizing team.
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mariana and Gabriel are discussing their weekend plans.
- MarianaO que você vai fazer no fim de semana?What are you going to do this weekend?
- GabrielEu vou descansar, principalmente porque estou cansado.I'm going to rest, mainly because I'm tired.
- MarianaEntendo, você precisa de um tempo para relaxar.I understand, you need some time to relax.
- GabrielSim, Mariana, eu realmente preciso disso.Yes, Mariana, I really need it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mainly” translations and entries principalmente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries principalmente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
