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A2 adverb #3,000 le plus courant 13 min de lecture

seriamente

When you are just starting to learn Portuguese at the A1 level, you might not use complex adverbs very often, but understanding how they work is an essential stepping stone for your language journey. The word we are looking at is an adverb, which means it is a word that describes how an action is performed. In English, you often see these words ending in the letters 'l' and 'y', like 'quickly' or 'happily'. In Portuguese, the equivalent ending is usually '-mente'. The base of our target word is the adjective 'sério', which translates to 'serious'. When you want to say that someone is doing something in a serious way, you take the feminine form of the adjective, which is 'séria', and you add the suffix '-mente' to the end of it. This creates the word 'seriamente', meaning 'seriously'. At this beginner stage, you will most likely encounter this word when people are talking about important topics, rules, or situations where joking is not appropriate. For example, if a teacher is talking to a student about their grades, they might speak 'seriamente'. If a doctor is giving advice to a patient about their health, they will also speak 'seriamente'. It is a word that carries a heavy, important weight. You do not need to worry about using it perfectly in every sentence right now, but recognizing it when you hear it will help you understand the tone of a conversation. If someone says 'falar seriamente', they mean 'to speak seriously'. This tells you that the conversation is not a joke and requires your full attention. As you continue to build your vocabulary, you will notice that many other adverbs are formed in this exact same way, by adding '-mente' to the feminine form of an adjective. This is a very reliable rule in Portuguese grammar that will help you guess the meaning of new words you encounter. Practice listening for this '-mente' sound at the ends of words when you watch Portuguese videos or listen to native speakers. It is a clear signal that an action is being described in detail. By mastering the concept of adverbs early on, you are setting a strong foundation for more advanced grammar topics in the future. Keep practicing, and soon using words like this will feel completely natural to you.
At the A2 level, you are beginning to express yourself with more detail and precision. You are no longer just stating facts; you are describing how things happen. This is where the adverb 'seriamente' becomes incredibly useful. As you know, it means 'seriously' or 'in a serious manner'. In your daily conversations, you can use this word to show that you are earnest about your intentions or that a situation is important. For example, if you are studying hard for an exam, you can say 'Eu estou estudando seriamente' (I am studying seriously). This tells your friends that you cannot be distracted. Syntactically, you should practice placing 'seriamente' right after the verb it modifies. This is the most natural position in Portuguese. If you want to say 'He works seriously', you say 'Ele trabalha seriamente'. It is a simple structure, but it adds a lot of maturity to your spoken Portuguese. You will also start to see this word used to describe the severity of a problem. If your car breaks down and the mechanic says 'O motor está seriamente danificado' (The engine is seriously damaged), you know it is going to be an expensive repair. At this level, it is also important to distinguish between the adverb 'seriamente' and the adjective 'sério'. Remember that adjectives describe nouns (like 'um problema sério' - a serious problem), while adverbs describe verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs (like 'pensar seriamente' - to think seriously). A common mistake for A2 learners is to use the adjective when they should use the adverb. Pay close attention to this distinction. Furthermore, try to incorporate 'seriamente' into your writing practice. When you write short paragraphs about your plans or opinions, use this word to emphasize your points. 'Eu quero seriamente aprender a cozinhar' (I seriously want to learn how to cook). By actively using 'seriamente' in both your speaking and writing, you will solidify your understanding of Portuguese adverbial structures and sound much more fluent to native speakers. Keep expanding your vocabulary by looking for other adjectives that you can turn into adverbs using the '-mente' suffix.
Reaching the B1 level means you are navigating more complex conversations, expressing opinions, and discussing abstract concepts. The adverb 'seriamente' is a powerful tool in your B1 toolkit for adding emphasis and nuance to your arguments. At this stage, you should be comfortable using 'seriamente' with cognitive verbs—verbs related to thinking and communicating. Phrases like 'considerar seriamente' (to seriously consider), 'pensar seriamente' (to think seriously), and 'discutir seriamente' (to discuss seriously) should become part of your active vocabulary. For instance, when discussing future plans, saying 'Estou considerando seriamente mudar de cidade' (I am seriously considering moving to another city) shows a level of deep reflection. You will also encounter 'seriamente' frequently in news articles and informational texts, which you are now able to read with better comprehension. In these texts, it is often used to describe the impact of events, such as 'A economia foi seriamente afetada' (The economy was seriously affected). Notice how it is used to modify past participles acting as adjectives. This is a crucial grammatical structure to master at the B1 level. Additionally, you should start practicing using 'seriamente' as a sentence modifier at the beginning of a phrase to set a tone of honesty or gravity. 'Seriamente, eu não acho que essa seja uma boa ideia' (Seriously, I don't think that's a good idea). This usage is excellent for debates or when you need to gently but firmly disagree with someone. However, be careful not to overuse it as a direct translation of the English exclamation 'Seriously?!'. In Portuguese, it is much more natural to say 'Sério?!' or 'Fala sério!' when expressing disbelief. As a B1 learner, your goal is to sound natural, not just grammatically correct. Pay attention to how native speakers use 'seriamente' in podcasts or interviews. You will notice that it carries a specific rhythm and weight in the sentence. By mimicking this prosody and using the word in appropriate contexts, you will significantly improve your conversational fluency and your ability to articulate complex thoughts.
At the B2 level, your focus shifts towards precision, nuance, and mastering the subtleties of the Portuguese language. You already know how to use 'seriamente', but now you must refine your usage by comparing it with its synonyms and understanding register. A key challenge at this level is distinguishing between 'seriamente', 'gravemente', and 'severamente'. While they all translate roughly to 'seriously' or 'severely', their connotations differ. 'Gravemente' is heavily associated with medical emergencies or catastrophic events ('gravemente ferido' - gravely injured). 'Severamente' is linked to strictness, discipline, or harsh conditions ('punido severamente' - severely punished). 'Seriamente' is your go-to word for earnestness, cognitive depth, and significant, but not necessarily catastrophic, impact. For example, 'Ele levou a crítica seriamente' (He took the criticism seriously). Using the exact right adverb demonstrates a high level of linguistic competence. Furthermore, at the B2 level, you are expected to write formal essays, reports, or professional emails. 'Seriamente' is an excellent vocabulary choice for these formal registers. It allows you to express strong concern or emphasize importance without sounding overly emotional or informal. 'A diretoria deve analisar seriamente os riscos envolvidos' (The board must seriously analyze the risks involved). You should also be comfortable with the syntactic flexibility of adverbs. While placing 'seriamente' after the verb is standard, you can experiment with placing it before the verb for stylistic emphasis in your writing: 'Eles seriamente comprometeram o projeto' (They seriously compromised the project). This subtle shift in word order can make your writing more dynamic and engaging. Additionally, be aware of idiomatic expressions or collocations where 'seriamente' is expected. For instance, 'levar alguém a sério' (to take someone seriously) uses the adjective, but 'falar seriamente' uses the adverb. Mastering these collocations is essential for B2 fluency. Continue to immerse yourself in native materials, paying close attention to the specific contexts in which authors and speakers choose 'seriamente' over its synonyms. This active observation will fine-tune your intuition and elevate your Portuguese to a near-native level.
As a C1 learner, you possess an advanced operational proficiency in Portuguese. Your use of 'seriamente' should now be effortless, highly nuanced, and perfectly adapted to any social or professional context. At this level, you are not just communicating information; you are manipulating language for rhetorical effect. You understand that 'seriamente' can be used to convey a spectrum of tones, from profound sincerity to biting irony, depending entirely on the context and your vocal inflection. In advanced literature or sophisticated journalism, you will see 'seriamente' used to modify complex adjectival phrases or to create rhythmic balance in a sentence. 'A infraestrutura, já precária, foi seriamente e irremediavelmente danificada' (The infrastructure, already precarious, was seriously and irremediably damaged). Notice how it pairs with other '-mente' adverbs to create a compounding effect of severity. You should also be adept at using 'seriamente' in high-stakes negotiations or delicate interpersonal conflicts, where the precise weight of the word can de-escalate a situation or underscore a non-negotiable boundary. 'Eu peço que você considere seriamente as implicações legais desta ação' (I ask that you seriously consider the legal implications of this action). Furthermore, a C1 learner understands the sociolinguistic aspects of the word. You know that in highly informal Brazilian Portuguese, the adverbial '-mente' suffix is sometimes dropped in favor of the adjective ('falar sério'), but you also know exactly when this colloquialism is inappropriate. You seamlessly code-switch between saying 'falar sério' with your friends at a bar and writing 'discutir seriamente' in a corporate memorandum. Your mastery of 'seriamente' at this stage is characterized by your ability to select it not just because it is grammatically correct, but because it is the absolute best word to achieve your specific communicative goal. You are attuned to the subtle differences in meaning when 'seriamente' is placed at different points in a complex sentence, and you use this syntactic flexibility to guide the listener's or reader's attention exactly where you want it.
At the C2 level, your mastery of Portuguese approaches that of a highly educated native speaker. Your understanding of 'seriamente' transcends basic definitions and grammar rules; it encompasses the word's etymological history, its prosodic function in speech, and its role in the broader tapestry of Lusophone literature and rhetoric. You recognize that 'seriamente', derived from the Latin 'serius' combined with the ablative of 'mens' (mind), literally means 'with a serious mind'. This historical context informs your deep appreciation for the word's capacity to convey profound cognitive engagement. In your own discourse, whether delivering an academic lecture, writing a persuasive op-ed, or engaging in complex philosophical debates, you utilize 'seriamente' with surgical precision. You employ it to modulate the cadence of your sentences, using the multi-syllabic weight of 'se-ri-a-men-te' to slow down the listener and force them to absorb the gravity of your point. You are also intimately familiar with the boundaries of the word's usage. You know when 'seriamente' might sound overly pedantic and when a more colloquial phrasing is required to maintain rapport with your audience. You can effortlessly navigate texts where 'seriamente' is used subversively or ironically by authors to highlight the absurdity of a situation. Furthermore, you are capable of engaging in metalinguistic discussions about the word itself, comparing its usage across different Portuguese-speaking countries (e.g., subtle register differences between European and Brazilian Portuguese) or analyzing its semantic drift over time. At this pinnacle of language acquisition, 'seriamente' is not just a vocabulary item; it is a refined instrument in your extensive linguistic repertoire, allowing you to articulate the most complex, subtle, and profound aspects of the human experience with absolute clarity and elegance.
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

seriamente en 30 secondes

  • Adverb meaning 'seriously' or 'in a serious manner'.
  • Formed by adding '-mente' to the feminine adjective 'séria'.
  • Used to show earnestness, deep thought, or lack of joking.
  • Also used to describe the severity of damage, injury, or problems.
To truly understand the Portuguese adverb 'seriamente', we must dive deep into its morphological roots, its syntactic behavior, and its semantic nuances within the language. At its core, 'seriamente' translates directly to the English word 'seriously' or the phrase 'in a serious manner'. It is an adverb of manner, which means it describes exactly how an action is being performed by the subject of the sentence. In Portuguese, adverbs of manner are frequently formed by taking the feminine singular form of an adjective and appending the suffix '-mente'. In this case, the base adjective is 'sério', meaning serious. The feminine form is 'séria'. By adding '-mente', we arrive at 'seriamente'. This is a highly productive morphological rule in Portuguese, allowing learners to exponentially increase their vocabulary once they grasp the underlying pattern.
Morphological Breakdown
The word consists of the root 'séria' (feminine adjective) and the suffix '-mente' (adverbial marker).
When a native speaker uses 'seriamente', they are injecting a tone of gravity, earnestness, or severity into their statement. It is not a word used lightly. If someone says they are thinking 'seriamente' about a decision, it implies a deep, contemplative process devoid of frivolity.

Estou pensando seriamente em mudar de emprego.

This sentence shows that the thought process is profound and likely to lead to a real outcome. The word can also describe the severity of a physical or abstract condition. For instance, if someone is injured, they might be 'seriamente ferido' (seriously injured).

O motorista ficou seriamente machucado no acidente.

Here, the adverb modifies the participle 'machucado', amplifying the degree of the injury. Beyond physical injuries, 'seriamente' is often used in the context of interpersonal communication. When a conversation shifts from casual banter to a crucial topic, a speaker might explicitly state their intention to speak seriously.

Precisamos conversar seriamente sobre o nosso futuro.

This signals to the listener that the upcoming dialogue requires their full attention and respect.
Semantic Range
Encompasses earnestness in thought, severity in physical condition, and gravity in communication.
It is also important to note the cultural weight of the word. In Lusophone cultures, which often value warmth and humor in daily interactions, deploying 'seriamente' acts as a verbal anchor, pulling the interaction into a space of formal or critical engagement.

Ele levou a crítica muito seriamente.

In this example, the subject absorbed the feedback with intense focus, perhaps even taking it to heart more than intended. Understanding 'seriamente' also involves recognizing its synonyms and related concepts. Words like 'gravemente' (gravely) or 'profundamente' (deeply) share overlapping semantic territory, but 'seriamente' maintains a unique balance between cognitive earnestness and situational severity.
Usage Frequency
Highly common in both written and spoken Portuguese across all dialects.
Whether you are reading a news article about a seriously compromised economy or listening to a friend talk about their relationship struggles, 'seriamente' is a high-frequency vocabulary item that is indispensable for achieving fluency.

A economia foi seriamente afetada pela crise global.

By mastering this word, learners gain the ability to express degrees of importance and severity with precision and confidence.
The syntactic placement and grammatical usage of 'seriamente' follow the standard rules for adverbs of manner in the Portuguese language, but there are several nuances that learners must master to sound truly natural. Primarily, 'seriamente' is used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. When modifying a verb, the most common and neutral position for 'seriamente' is immediately following the verb it modifies. This post-verbal position ensures clarity and direct association between the action and the manner in which it is performed.

Eles trabalham seriamente todos os dias.

In this sentence, the adverb directly follows 'trabalham', clearly indicating the earnest nature of their work. However, Portuguese syntax is relatively flexible, and adverbs can be moved for stylistic reasons or to place emphasis on a particular part of the sentence.
Syntactic Flexibility
While usually placed after the verb, it can appear at the beginning or end of a clause for rhetorical emphasis.
If a speaker wants to heavily emphasize the serious nature of an upcoming statement, they might place 'seriamente' at the very beginning of the sentence, often followed by a comma.

Seriamente, eu não sei o que fazer agora.

This usage is akin to saying 'In all seriousness...' in English, acting as a sentence adverb that sets the tone for the entire utterance rather than modifying a specific verb. Another critical application of 'seriamente' is its role in modifying adjectives, particularly past participles functioning as adjectives. In these cases, 'seriamente' precedes the adjective to intensify its meaning, usually denoting a severe negative state.

O prédio está seriamente danificado.

Here, the adverb intensifies 'danificado' (damaged), showing that the damage is not superficial but structural and severe.
Modifying Adjectives
Used before adjectives to indicate a high degree of severity, often in medical or structural contexts.
It is also frequently paired with verbs of cognition and communication. Verbs like 'pensar' (to think), 'considerar' (to consider), 'falar' (to speak), and 'discutir' (to discuss) are natural collocates for 'seriamente'.

Nós devemos considerar seriamente esta proposta.

When learning how to use this word, one must also be aware of the contexts where it is NOT appropriate. Because it carries a heavy semantic weight, using it to describe trivial matters can sound sarcastic or melodramatic. In formal writing, such as academic papers or business reports, 'seriamente' is an excellent tool for expressing objective severity without resorting to emotional language.

A falta de recursos compromete seriamente o projeto.

This demonstrates a professional assessment of a critical situation.
Register
Appropriate for all registers, from casual conversation to highly formal academic writing.
To practice using 'seriamente', try taking simple sentences and adding the adverb to see how it changes the tone. 'Eu estudo' (I study) becomes 'Eu estudo seriamente' (I study seriously), instantly elevating the perceived dedication of the speaker. By consistently applying these syntactic patterns, learners will quickly integrate 'seriamente' into their active vocabulary.
The adverb 'seriamente' is ubiquitous in the Portuguese-speaking world, permeating various domains of public and private life. Its versatility allows it to function seamlessly in casual street conversations, formal news broadcasts, medical diagnoses, and corporate boardrooms. Understanding where and how this word appears in real-world contexts is crucial for developing a natural ear for the language. One of the most common places you will encounter 'seriamente' is in journalism and news media. Reporters and anchors frequently use it to describe the impact of natural disasters, economic downturns, or political crises.

A região costeira foi seriamente atingida pela tempestade.

In this context, the word conveys the objective severity of the event to the audience, maintaining a professional and informative tone.
Journalistic Context
Used to report on severe damages, critical situations, or significant impacts on society.
Another critical domain is the medical and healthcare field. Doctors, nurses, and medical professionals use 'seriamente' to communicate the gravity of a patient's condition or the potential risks of a procedure.

O paciente está seriamente doente e precisa de repouso.

When a doctor uses this word, it signals to the patient and their family that the situation requires immediate and careful attention. In the corporate and professional world, 'seriamente' is a staple of business communication. It is used during meetings, in emails, and in performance reviews to discuss matters of importance, strategic decisions, or serious concerns regarding company performance.

A diretoria está avaliando seriamente a fusão das empresas.

Here, it indicates that the board of directors is not just casually discussing the merger, but actively and rigorously analyzing it.
Business Context
Employed to emphasize the importance of strategic planning, evaluations, and professional commitments.
Beyond these formal settings, 'seriamente' is deeply embedded in the fabric of everyday interpersonal relationships. Friends, family members, and romantic partners use it to navigate conflicts, express deep feelings, or demand honesty.

Você está me ouvindo seriamente ou só fingindo?

In emotional discussions, the word serves as a plea for genuine engagement and respect. It is also frequently used when someone is giving advice or a warning to someone they care about. Furthermore, in the realm of arts and entertainment, you will hear 'seriamente' in movie dialogues, theatrical plays, and literature. Characters use it to reveal their inner resolve or to confront antagonists.

Eu prometo seriamente que nunca mais farei isso.

Dramatic Context
Utilized to heighten emotional stakes and demonstrate a character's unwavering commitment.
By exposing yourself to these diverse contexts—whether by watching Portuguese news, listening to podcasts, or reading contemporary fiction—you will develop a robust, intuitive understanding of exactly when and where 'seriamente' belongs in a sentence.
While 'seriamente' is a straightforward adverb, learners of Portuguese frequently stumble over a few common pitfalls regarding its usage, placement, and differentiation from related words. The most prevalent mistake is confusing the adverb 'seriamente' with the adjective 'sério'. In English, native speakers sometimes use adjectives as adverbs in colloquial speech (e.g., 'He took it real serious' instead of 'seriously'). A similar phenomenon occurs in informal Brazilian Portuguese, where people might say 'falar sério' instead of 'falar seriamente'. While 'falar sério' is widely accepted in casual conversation, learners often incorrectly apply this colloquialism to formal writing or to other verbs where it sounds completely unnatural.

INCORRECT: Ele está pensando sério sobre o assunto.
CORRECT: Ele está pensando seriamente sobre o assunto.

Adjective vs. Adverb
Always use 'seriamente' when modifying a verb in formal contexts, rather than defaulting to the adjective 'sério'.
Another frequent error involves the misplacement of the adverb within the sentence structure. Because English allows for adverbs to be placed between the subject and the main verb (e.g., 'I seriously doubt that'), English speakers often try to replicate this syntax in Portuguese, resulting in awkward phrasing.

INCORRECT: Eu seriamente duvido disso.
CORRECT: Eu duvido seriamente disso.

In Portuguese, the adverb generally follows the verb it modifies. Placing it before the verb is not strictly grammatically incorrect in all cases, but it often sounds highly unnatural to a native ear unless used for specific poetic or rhetorical emphasis. Learners also make mistakes regarding agreement. Because 'seriamente' is derived from the feminine adjective 'séria', some beginners mistakenly try to make the adverb agree with the gender or number of the subject.

INCORRECT: Eles falaram seriamentes.
CORRECT: Eles falaram seriamente.

Invariability
Adverbs ending in '-mente' never change form. They do not have plural or masculine/feminine variations.
Furthermore, there is a semantic mistake learners make by overusing 'seriamente' as a direct translation of the English filler word 'seriously'. In English, 'seriously?' is often used as a standalone exclamation of disbelief. While you can say 'Seriamente?' in Portuguese, it is much more common and natural to say 'Sério?' or 'É sério?' in this context.

INCORRECT CONTEXT: Seriamente?! Você fez isso?
BETTER: É sério?! Você fez isso?

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the pronunciation of the '-mente' suffix, placing the stress on the wrong syllable. The primary stress in 'seriamente' falls on the 'men' syllable (se-ri-a-MEN-te), not on the 'se' or the 'ri'.
Pronunciation Stress
Ensure the vocal emphasis is placed firmly on the penultimate syllable '-men-'.
By being aware of these common mistakes—differentiating it from the adjective, placing it correctly after the verb, remembering its invariability, avoiding its use as a mere exclamation, and stressing the correct syllable—learners can use 'seriamente' with native-like accuracy.
Expanding your vocabulary means not just learning a word, but understanding its neighborhood of synonyms and related terms. 'Seriamente' exists in a rich ecosystem of Portuguese adverbs that convey gravity, severity, and earnestness. Knowing when to use 'seriamente' versus one of its synonyms is a hallmark of an advanced language learner. The most direct and common synonym is 'gravemente'. While they can sometimes be used interchangeably, 'gravemente' carries a heavier, more negative connotation, often associated with life-threatening situations, severe illnesses, or catastrophic damage.

Ele foi gravemente ferido no combate.

You would use 'gravemente' for a severe injury, but you would use 'seriamente' when talking about considering a job offer.
Gravemente vs. Seriamente
'Gravemente' implies peril or extreme negativity, while 'seriamente' implies earnestness or a high degree of importance.
Another closely related word is 'severamente' (severely). This adverb is typically used in contexts involving discipline, punishment, or harsh conditions. If a judge hands down a harsh sentence, they are acting 'severamente'.

O professor puniu severamente os alunos indisciplinados.

While 'seriamente' could also be used here, 'severamente' specifically highlights the strictness and harshness of the action. When 'seriamente' is used to mean 'honestly' or 'truthfully', words like 'sinceramente' (sincerely) and 'francamente' (frankly) come into play. If you are starting a sentence to express your true, unfiltered opinion, you might say 'Sinceramente, eu não gosto disso' (Sincerely, I don't like that).

Sinceramente, acho que estamos no caminho errado.

In this context, 'seriamente' could also be used at the beginning of the sentence ('Seriamente, acho que...'), but 'sinceramente' is more focused on the honesty of the speaker's feelings, whereas 'seriamente' focuses on the lack of joking.
Sinceramente
Focuses on truthfulness and emotional honesty rather than just gravity.
We must also consider 'profundamente' (deeply). This is used when 'seriamente' is acting as an intensifier for emotions or abstract states. If you are seriously offended, you are 'profundamente ofendido'.

Fiquei profundamente triste com a notícia.

Finally, for learners, it is useful to look at antonyms to fully map the word's meaning. The opposites of 'seriamente' include 'levemente' (lightly), 'brincando' (jokingly), and 'superficialmente' (superficially).

Ele tratou o problema muito superficialmente.

Antonyms
Words like 'levemente' provide the exact opposite semantic meaning, indicating a lack of gravity or depth.
By understanding these subtle distinctions between 'seriamente', 'gravemente', 'severamente', 'sinceramente', and 'profundamente', you can choose the exact right word to express your thoughts with precision and eloquence in Portuguese.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

""

Informel

""

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

1

Eu estudo seriamente.

I study seriously.

Adverb placed directly after the verb.

2

Ele fala seriamente.

He speaks seriously.

Modifies the verb 'falar'.

3

Nós trabalhamos seriamente.

We work seriously.

Used with a plural subject, but the adverb does not change.

4

Ela olha seriamente.

She looks seriously.

Describes the manner of looking.

5

O professor ensina seriamente.

The teacher teaches seriously.

Common context for this word.

6

Eles jogam seriamente.

They play seriously.

Shows focus during an activity.

7

Eu ouço seriamente.

I listen seriously.

Modifies the verb 'ouvir'.

8

Você lê seriamente.

You read seriously.

Simple subject-verb-adverb structure.

1

Estou pensando seriamente em viajar.

I am seriously thinking about traveling.

Used with the gerund 'pensando'.

2

Precisamos conversar seriamente amanhã.

We need to talk seriously tomorrow.

Modifies the infinitive 'conversar'.

3

O carro está seriamente quebrado.

The car is seriously broken.

Modifies the adjective 'quebrado'.

4

Ela levou a brincadeira seriamente.

She took the joke seriously.

Used with the expression 'levar a sério/seriamente'.

5

Eles estão namorando seriamente.

They are dating seriously.

Indicates a committed relationship.

6

O problema afetou seriamente a cidade.

The problem seriously affected the city.

Placed before the object.

7

Eu seriamente não sei o que fazer.

I seriously don't know what to do.

Placed before the negative particle for emphasis.

8

Você precisa estudar mais seriamente.

You need to study more seriously.

Combined with the comparative 'mais'.

1

A empresa está considerando seriamente a sua proposta.

The company is seriously considering your proposal.

Collocation with 'considerar'.

2

O meio ambiente foi seriamente prejudicado pela poluição.

The environment was seriously harmed by pollution.

Modifies a past participle in passive voice.

3

Seriamente, acho que devemos mudar nossa estratégia.

Seriously, I think we should change our strategy.

Used as a sentence adverb at the beginning.

4

Ele se machucou seriamente durante o jogo de futebol.

He seriously injured himself during the soccer game.

Reflexive verb modified by the adverb.

5

A falta de chuva compromete seriamente a colheita.

The lack of rain seriously compromises the harvest.

Formal vocabulary context.

6

Nós discutimos seriamente sobre o futuro do projeto.

We discussed seriously about the future of the project.

Collocation with 'discutir'.

7

É preciso encarar esse desafio muito seriamente.

It is necessary to face this challenge very seriously.

Intensified by 'muito'.

8

A saúde pública está seriamente ameaçada por este vírus.

Public health is seriously threatened by this virus.

Used in a formal, informative context.

1

Apesar das críticas, ele continuou a trabalhar seriamente.

Despite the criticism, he continued to work seriously.

Used in a complex sentence with a concessive clause.

2

O relatório aponta que a segurança foi seriamente negligenciada.

The report points out that security was seriously neglected.

Formal business/technical register.

3

Duvido seriamente que eles consigam terminar a tempo.

I seriously doubt that they will manage to finish on time.

Collocation with 'duvidar', followed by subjunctive.

4

A estrutura do edifício histórico está seriamente comprometida.

The structure of the historical building is seriously compromised.

Modifying a highly specific adjective in a formal context.

5

Se você quer passar no exame, deve levar os estudos mais seriamente.

If you want to pass the exam, you must take your studies more seriously.

Conditional sentence structure.

6

O governo está avaliando seriamente a implementação de novas leis.

The government is seriously evaluating the implementation of new laws.

Political/journalistic register.

7

Ela advertiu seriamente os alunos sobre as consequências do plágio.

She seriously warned the students about the consequences of plagiarism.

Modifying a verb of communication/warning.

8

A crise econômica afetou seriamente o poder de compra da população.

The economic crisis seriously affected the population's purchasing power.

Used to describe broad socio-economic impacts.

1

A credibilidade da instituição foi seriamente abalada pelo escândalo.

The institution's credibility was seriously shaken by the scandal.

Advanced vocabulary pairing ('abalada').

2

É imperativo que abordemos esta questão seriamente e sem delongas.

It is imperative that we address this issue seriously and without delay.

Used in a highly formal, imperative structure.

3

O autor questiona seriamente a validade dessas premissas filosóficas.

The author seriously questions the validity of these philosophical premises.

Academic register.

4

As negociações de paz foram seriamente prejudicadas pelas recentes hostilidades.

Peace negotiations were seriously hampered by recent hostilities.

Geopolitical context.

5

Ele se dedica seriamente à preservação do patrimônio cultural imaterial.

He seriously dedicates himself to the preservation of intangible cultural heritage.

Specific cultural/academic terminology.

6

A hipótese de uma recessão global deve ser considerada seriamente pelos investidores.

The hypothesis of a global recession must be considered seriously by investors.

Financial/economic register.

7

O ecossistema local encontra-se seriamente desequilibrado devido ao desmatamento.

The local ecosystem finds itself seriously unbalanced due to deforestation.

Environmental science context.

8

A testemunha afirmou seriamente ter presenciado o desenrolar dos fatos.

The witness seriously affirmed having witnessed the unfolding of the facts.

Legal/judicial register.

1

A intrincada teia de corrupção comprometeu seriamente os alicerces da república.

The intricate web of corruption seriously compromised the foundations of the republic.

Highly literary and metaphorical usage.

2

O ensaísta propõe que reavaliemos seriamente nossos paradigmas ontológicos.

The essayist proposes that we seriously reevaluate our ontological paradigms.

Deeply academic and philosophical context.

3

A despeito das adversidades, a comunidade manteve-se seriamente engajada na causa.

In spite of the adversities, the community remained seriously engaged in the cause.

Complex syntax with concessive phrases.

4

O impacto das mudanças climáticas altera seriamente a geomorfologia costeira.

The impact of climate change seriously alters coastal geomorphology.

Highly specialized scientific terminology.

5

A obra literária desafia seriamente as convenções narrativas de sua época.

The literary work seriously challenges the narrative conventions of its time.

Literary criticism register.

6

A jurisprudência atual restringe seriamente a interpretação extensiva desta norma.

Current jurisprudence seriously restricts the extensive interpretation of this norm.

Advanced legal terminology.

7

O tratado internacional foi seriamente violado pelas incursões militares não autorizadas.

The international treaty was seriously violated by unauthorized military incursions.

International relations context.

8

A sinfonia, em seu clímax, explora seriamente a dissonância como recurso expressivo.

The symphony, in its climax, seriously explores dissonance as an expressive resource.

Musicology and arts criticism register.

Collocations courantes

pensar seriamente
considerar seriamente
afetar seriamente
ferido seriamente
danificado seriamente
discutir seriamente
levar seriamente
comprometer seriamente
ameaçar seriamente
duvidar seriamente

Phrases Courantes

falar seriamente

pensando seriamente em

ferido seriamente

levar muito seriamente

afetado seriamente

considerar muito seriamente

trabalhar seriamente

encarar seriamente

discutir muito seriamente

comprometer muito seriamente

Souvent confondu avec

seriamente vs sério (adjective, often used colloquially as an adverb)

seriamente vs gravemente (synonym, but implies more peril or medical danger)

seriamente vs severamente (synonym, but implies strictness or harsh punishment)

Expressions idiomatiques

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

""

Facile à confondre

seriamente vs sério

seriamente vs gravemente

seriamente vs severamente

seriamente vs sinceramente

seriamente vs profundamente

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

note

While 'seriamente' is highly versatile, be cautious not to use it in situations that are trivial, as it can make you sound melodramatic. Save it for situations that genuinely require gravity, deep thought, or convey severe impact.

Erreurs courantes
  • Using the adjective 'sério' instead of the adverb 'seriamente' in formal writing.
  • Placing 'seriamente' before the verb in simple sentences (e.g., 'Eu seriamente estudo' instead of 'Eu estudo seriamente').
  • Trying to make the adverb plural (e.g., 'Eles falaram seriamentes').
  • Using 'Seriamente?!' as a standalone exclamation of surprise instead of 'Sério?!'.
  • Pronouncing the stress on the wrong syllable (e.g., SE-ri-a-men-te instead of se-ri-a-MEN-te).

Astuces

Invariable Nature

Never add an 's' to 'seriamente'. Adverbs do not have plural forms. It is always 'seriamente', regardless of how many people are doing the action.

Stress the MEN

The primary stress is on the penultimate syllable. Practice saying 'se-ri-a-MEN-te' to ensure you are understood clearly by native speakers.

Formal Writing

Always use 'seriamente' instead of 'sério' when writing essays, emails, or reports. It instantly elevates the professional tone of your text.

Pensar Seriamente

Memorize the chunk 'pensar seriamente em' (to think seriously about). It is an extremely common way to express that you are considering a major decision.

Medical Contexts

When reading news about accidents, look for 'seriamente ferido' (seriously injured). It is the standard journalistic phrase for severe injuries.

Placement with Adjectives

When using it to intensify a state, place it before the adjective. For example, 'seriamente danificado' (seriously damaged), not 'danificado seriamente'.

Brazilian Slang

Don't be confused if you hear Brazilians say 'falar sério'. It means the same thing, but stick to 'seriamente' in your own formal speech to be safe.

The -mente Rule

Use 'seriamente' as a model to remember the rule: Feminine Adjective + mente = Adverb. (Séria + mente = Seriamente).

Not for Surprise

Remember not to use it as an exclamation like 'Seriously?!'. Use 'Sério?!' for that. 'Seriamente' is for describing actions.

Sentence Starter

Start a sentence with 'Seriamente,' to grab attention and show that you are about to say something very honest and important.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

SERIA (serious) + MENTE (mind) = Seriously in your mind.

Origine du mot

Latin

Contexte culturel

Similar to Portugal, formal contexts strongly favor 'seriamente', while local slang might have other expressions for gravity.

In informal Brazilian Portuguese, it is very common to hear the adjective 'sério' used as an adverb (e.g., 'Ele falou sério' instead of 'Ele falou seriamente').

European Portuguese tends to adhere more strictly to the adverbial form 'seriamente' in both spoken and written contexts compared to colloquial Brazilian Portuguese.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Você já pensou seriamente em mudar de carreira?"

"O que você leva mais seriamente na sua vida?"

"Você acha que as pessoas levam as mudanças climáticas seriamente?"

"Qual foi a última vez que você teve que conversar seriamente com alguém?"

"Você está estudando português seriamente ou apenas por hobby?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escreva sobre uma decisão que você está considerando seriamente tomar este ano.

Descreva uma situação em que você não foi levado seriamente, e como isso fez você se sentir.

O que significa para você viver a vida 'seriamente'?

Pense em um problema global que precisa ser tratado mais seriamente pelos governos.

Relate uma conversa seriamente importante que mudou a sua perspectiva.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

In informal spoken Brazilian Portuguese, yes, you will often hear 'falar sério' or 'pensar sério'. However, 'seriamente' is the grammatically correct adverb. You should always use 'seriamente' in formal writing, academic contexts, or professional environments to ensure you sound educated and correct.

No. Adverbs in Portuguese are invariable. This means they do not change to match the gender (masculine/feminine) or number (singular/plural) of the subject. Whether you say 'Ele fala seriamente' or 'Eles falam seriamente', the word remains exactly the same.

The most common and natural position is immediately after the verb it modifies (e.g., 'Eu estudo seriamente'). If it modifies an adjective, it goes before the adjective (e.g., 'seriamente ferido'). You can also put it at the beginning of a sentence for emphasis, followed by a comma (e.g., 'Seriamente, não sei').

The meaning is identical in both countries. However, European Portuguese speakers tend to use the formal adverb 'seriamente' more consistently in daily speech, whereas Brazilians might substitute it with the colloquial 'sério' in casual conversations. The pronunciation also differs slightly in the vowel sounds.

The stress of the word falls on the 'men' syllable. In Brazil, the final 'te' is often pronounced like 'chi' (MEN-tchi). In Portugal, the final 'e' is almost silent or pronounced as a very short, closed sound (MEN-t). Always ensure the vocal emphasis is on 'men'.

While technically understandable, it sounds unnatural as a standalone exclamation of surprise. Native speakers almost always use 'Sério?!' or 'É sério?!' when expressing disbelief. Reserve 'seriamente' for describing how an action is performed.

Both can mean 'seriously', but 'gravemente' is stronger and usually implies danger, medical emergencies, or catastrophic situations (e.g., 'gravemente doente' - gravely ill). 'Seriamente' is broader and used for earnest thought, important discussions, or severe but non-lethal damage.

It is formed by taking the adjective 'sério' (serious), changing it to its feminine singular form 'séria', and adding the adverbial suffix '-mente'. This is a standard rule in Portuguese for creating adverbs of manner from adjectives.

Yes, though it is less common than modifying verbs or adjectives. For example, you could say 'Ele agiu seriamente mal' (He acted seriously badly), but it is often more elegant to rephrase the sentence. It is most frequently paired with verbs and past participles.

Yes, it is a highly frequent vocabulary word in Portuguese. You will encounter it constantly in news reports, business meetings, literature, and everyday conversations when discussing important matters. It is an essential word for achieving fluency.

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