8.2. Forming Adverbs

8.2.1. Forming Compound Adverbs

To form a compound adverb, attach the suffix -mente to the word, according to the rules below.

1. Adjectives that end in -o in the masculine form

Use the feminine singular form of an adjective and add the suffix -mente.

Lènto ➜ Lènta ➜ Lentamente	Slow ➜ Slowly
Ràpido ➜ Ràpida ➜ Ràpidamente	Quick ➜ Quickly

2. Adjectives that end in -e

The most common method is to simply add the suffix -mente.

Intelligènte ➜ Intelligentemente	Intelligent ➜ Intelligently
Frequènte ➜ Frequentemente	Frequent ➜ Frequently

Another less common option is to imitate Occitan, which has a feminine singular form for adjectives ending in -e ("granda" instead of "grande"). In this case, replace the ending -e with -a.

Intelligènte ➜ Intelligènta ➜ Intelligentamente	Intelligent ➜ Intelligently
Frequènte ➜ Frequènta ➜ Frequentamente	Frequent ➜ Frequently

3. Adjectives that end in -le or -re

For the regular method, simply add -mente.

Fàcile ➜ Fàcilemente	Easy ➜ Easily
Generale ➜ Generalemente	General ➜ Generally
Possíbile ➜ Possíbilemente	Possible ➜ Possibly

For the natural method, remove the -e at the end and add -mente.

Fàcile ➜ Fàcilmente	Easy ➜ Easily
Generale ➜ Generalmente	General ➜ Generally
Possíbile ➜ Possíbilmente	Possible ➜ Possibly

8.2.2. Adverbial Expressions

Adverbial expressions are groups of words that act as adverbs. They are most commonly composed of a preposition and a noun or a preposition and an adjective.

Below is a selection of adverbial expressions:

Per principio	Out of principle
Per errore	By mistake
Ad mano	By hand
Ad cavallo	On horseback
Con tacto	With tact
Con calma	Calmly
En secrèto	In secret
En persona	In person

Although there are patterns to some extent, this type of adverb must be learned like any other.