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A2 adverb #4,000 most common 12 min read

mensalmente

Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips mensalmente in 30 Seconds

Explanation mensalmente in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just beginning to learn about time and frequency. 'Mensalmente' is a word you might see on signs or in simple instructions. It means 'every month'. Think of it as a fancy way to say 'todo mês'. You use it when you want to talk about things that happen on a regular schedule, like paying for your phone or going to a club. Even if you don't use it in speaking yet, recognizing it will help you understand bills and schedules. Remember: 'mês' = month, 'mente' = ly. Monthly!

At the A2 level, you should start using 'mensalmente' to describe your routine and obligations. It is very useful for talking about your life in a Portuguese-speaking country. You can use it to explain how often you pay rent, how often you see your doctor, or how often you call your family. It's an 'adverb', which means it tells us *how* or *when* an action happens. Usually, you put it after the verb. For example: 'Eu estudo português mensalmente' (I study Portuguese monthly—though hopefully you study more often!). It shows you are moving beyond basic survival Portuguese into more structured language.

By B1, you are expected to handle professional and administrative situations. 'Mensalmente' is essential here. You will use it in emails to confirm payment schedules or to describe work tasks. You should also understand the difference between 'mensalmente' and its adjective form 'mensal'. At this level, you can start combining it with other frequency adverbs like 'anualmente' (annually) or 'semanalmente' (weekly) to give detailed reports. You'll notice it often in 'contratos' (contracts) and 'termos de uso' (terms of use) online. It adds a layer of formality to your communication that is appropriate for work environments.

At the B2 level, 'mensalmente' should be a natural part of your vocabulary. You understand its stylistic value—using it to provide rhythm and precision in your writing. You are also aware of the 'suffix-drop' rule: when using two adverbs together, you only keep the '-mente' on the last one (e.g., 'mensal e anualmente'). You can use this word to discuss economic trends, social statistics, or complex schedules. You understand that while 'todo mês' is fine for friends, 'mensalmente' is the standard for newspapers, formal presentations, and academic papers. It helps you sound like a sophisticated, fluent speaker.

At C1, you use 'mensalmente' with full awareness of its nuances and register. You can use it to structure complex arguments about recurring events or to describe subtle patterns in data. You might use it in legal or highly technical contexts where precision is paramount. You also recognize when the word is being used figuratively or in literary contexts to evoke a sense of inevitable, steady progression. Your placement of the word is flawless, using it at the start of sentences for rhetorical effect or embedding it naturally within complex clauses. You also understand regional preferences in the Lusophone world regarding its frequency of use versus other structures.

At the C2 level, you have complete mastery of 'mensalmente' and its place in the broader landscape of Portuguese temporal expressions. You can distinguish between its use in Brazilian vs. European Portuguese legal documents. You are comfortable using it in high-level academic writing, perhaps discussing 'mensalidade' as a socio-economic concept. You can play with the word in creative writing, using its rhythmic properties to enhance the prose. You are also capable of correcting others on its usage, such as the common mistake of using a preposition with it, and you understand the historical evolution of the word from its Latin roots to modern usage.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

mensalmente in 30 Seconds

Mensalmente is the Portuguese adverb for 'monthly'. It describes actions that happen once every month.
It is formed from 'mensal' (adjective) + '-mente' (suffix). It is invariable and never changes for gender.
Commonly used in finance, business, and routines. It is more formal than 'todo mês'.
Placement is flexible but usually follows the verb. Do not use prepositions like 'por' with it.

The Portuguese word mensalmente is a high-frequency adverb that translates directly to 'monthly' or 'once a month' in English. It is formed by the combination of the noun mês (month) and the productive adverbial suffix -mente, which is the Portuguese equivalent of the English suffix -ly. Understanding this word is crucial for anyone navigating life in a Lusophone country, as it governs the rhythm of financial, social, and professional obligations.

Core Definition: An adverb indicating that an action occurs exactly once in every calendar month or recurs at intervals of approximately thirty days.
Grammatical Function: As an adverb of frequency, it modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to specify the temporal regularity of an event.
Morphological Breakdown: Derived from the Latin 'mensalis' (pertaining to a month). The suffix '-mente' originates from the Latin 'mens' (mind), used in the ablative case 'mente' to describe the manner of an action.

In everyday conversation, mensalmente is often used in the context of subscriptions, bills, and recurring meetings. Whether you are talking about your Netflix subscription, your rent (aluguel), or a magazine you receive in the mail, this is the go-to term. It carries a sense of formality and precision that 'todos os meses' (every month) sometimes lacks, though they are often interchangeable.

Nós fazemos uma reunião de equipe mensalmente para discutir o progresso do projeto.

Translation: We hold a team meeting monthly to discuss the project's progress.

In business environments, mensalmente is the standard term for reporting cycles. Financial statements, performance reviews, and inventory checks are typically conducted on this basis. For a learner, mastering this word allows you to clarify expectations regarding timeframes. If a landlord tells you that a fee is charged mensalmente, you know exactly how to budget for it.

O valor do condomínio deve ser pago mensalmente até o quinto dia útil.

Translation: The condo fee must be paid monthly by the fifth business day.

Beyond finance, the word appears in health contexts. Doctors might recommend checking certain vitals mensalmente. It also appears in literature and journalism to describe trends that are tracked over time. The rhythmic nature of the word itself—four syllables (men-sal-men-te)—mirrors the steady, predictable pulse of a monthly cycle.

A revista é publicada mensalmente e enviada para todos os assinantes.

Translation: The magazine is published monthly and sent to all subscribers.

Finally, it is worth noting that while mensalmente is common, speakers often default to por mês or todo mês in very informal settings. However, in written communication, emails, and professional settings, mensalmente is the preferred, more sophisticated choice. It shows a higher level of language proficiency and a better grasp of formal adverbial structures.

Ela visita os pais mensalmente desde que se mudou para Lisboa.

Translation: She visits her parents monthly since she moved to Lisbon.

Using mensalmente correctly involves understanding its placement and its relationship with the verb it modifies. In Portuguese, adverbs of frequency like this one have a flexible but structured placement. Most commonly, they appear after the verb or at the end of the sentence to provide emphasis on the regularity of the action.

Standard Placement: Typically follows the verb: 'Eu pago mensalmente.' This is the most natural flow for declarative sentences.
Sentence-Final Position: Placed at the very end for clarity: 'Nós revisamos os dados mensalmente.' This is very common in reports and instructions.
Emphasis Position: Can be placed at the beginning of a sentence to highlight the frequency: 'Mensalmente, realizamos uma auditoria.' This sounds more formal and dramatic.

When constructing sentences, it is important to distinguish between the adverb mensalmente and the adjective mensal. For example, you would say 'O pagamento é mensal' (The payment is monthly - adjective) but 'Eu pago mensalmente' (I pay monthly - adverb). Learners often confuse these two, so remembering that the '-mente' ending corresponds to the English '-ly' is a helpful mnemonic.

O serviço de streaming cobra mensalmente o valor da assinatura no cartão de crédito.

Translation: The streaming service monthly charges the subscription fee to the credit card.

In complex sentences with auxiliary verbs (like 'poder', 'dever', or 'querer'), mensalmente usually follows the main infinitive verb. For example: 'Você deve contribuir mensalmente para a previdência.' This maintains the logical connection between the action (contributing) and the frequency (monthly).

A empresa publica mensalmente um relatório de sustentabilidade em seu site oficial.

Translation: The company monthly publishes a sustainability report on its official website.

You will also see mensalmente used in passive constructions, which are common in formal writing. 'Os relatórios são gerados mensalmente pelo sistema.' Here, the adverb provides the necessary timeframe for the automated process. It adds a layer of professional precision that is highly valued in administrative and corporate contexts.

As doações são recolhidas mensalmente pelas instituições de caridade locais.

Translation: Donations are collected monthly by local charities.

Another interesting usage is in the negative. 'Nós não nos vemos mensalmente, mas tentamos manter contato.' This clarifies that while the frequency is not monthly, there is still an ongoing relationship. The word acts as a benchmark for regularity. Using it correctly helps you navigate the nuances of frequency in both professional and personal life.

O software é atualizado mensalmente para garantir a segurança dos usuários.

Translation: The software is updated monthly to ensure user security.

While mensalmente might seem like a word reserved for textbooks, it is ubiquitous in the real world, especially in urban environments where services and contracts dominate daily life. You will encounter it in specific domains that touch every aspect of modern existence, from digital consumption to civic duty.

Banking and Finance: This is the primary home of 'mensalmente'. Bank statements, interest accruals, and maintenance fees are all described using this term. In a Brazilian bank app, you might see 'Taxa cobrada mensalmente'.
Employment and HR: Payroll cycles are inherently monthly in most Lusophone countries. HR departments send out newsletters or benefit updates 'mensalmente'.
Education and Academics: Schools and universities often have 'mensalidades' (monthly tuitions). Consequently, payment notices will specify that the amount is due 'mensalmente'.

In the digital world, the 'subscription economy' has made mensalmente more common than ever. Every time you sign up for Spotify, Disney+, or a gym membership in Brazil or Portugal, the terms of service will explicitly state that the billing occurs mensalmente. You'll hear this in customer service calls: 'O senhor será cobrado mensalmente, está bem?' (You will be charged monthly, okay?).

Muitos brasileiros preferem investir mensalmente uma pequena quantia na poupança.

Translation: Many Brazilians prefer to monthly invest a small amount in savings.

In the context of health and wellness, mensalmente is used for routine checks. In Brazil, 'autoexame' (self-examination) campaigns often urge women to perform checks mensalmente. Similarly, fitness enthusiasts might track their body measurements mensalmente to see progress. It’s a word that denotes discipline and routine.

O médico recomendou que ele fizesse exames de sangue mensalmente.

Translation: The doctor recommended that he have blood tests monthly.

Government and civic life also rely on this word. Tax obligations, social security contributions, and utility bills (water, electricity) are all handled mensalmente. If you are living in a 'condomínio' (apartment complex), the 'boleto' (payment slip) arrives mensalmente. It is the heartbeat of administrative life.

A prefeitura limpa os bueiros desta rua mensalmente para evitar enchentes.

Translation: The city hall cleans the storm drains on this street monthly to prevent floods.

Lastly, in journalism, you will hear it during economic reports. 'A inflação é medida mensalmente pelo IBGE' (Inflation is measured monthly by the IBGE). This is a standard phrase in news broadcasts. If you follow Portuguese-language news, you will hear mensalmente at least once a day when they discuss statistics, prices, or government schedules.

Os dados de emprego são divulgados mensalmente pelo governo federal.

Translation: Employment data are released monthly by the federal government.

Even though mensalmente is a straightforward adverb, English speakers and even early-stage Portuguese learners often stumble over its usage. The most common errors involve confusion with adjectives, incorrect sentence placement, and over-reliance on the word in informal contexts where more natural alternatives exist.

Mistake 1: Adverb vs. Adjective: Confusing 'mensalmente' (adverb) with 'mensal' (adjective). Incorrect: 'O pagamento mensalmente é caro.' Correct: 'O pagamento mensal é caro' OR 'Eu pago mensalmente'.
Mistake 2: Preposition Overuse: Adding 'em' or 'por' before the word. Incorrect: 'Eu pago por mensalmente.' Correct: 'Eu pago mensalmente'. Adverbs do not need prepositions to function.
Mistake 3: Word Order: Placing it between the subject and the verb in a way that sounds unnatural in Portuguese. Incorrect: 'Eu mensalmente vou ao banco.' Correct: 'Eu vou ao banco mensalmente'.

Another frequent issue is the 'Register Mismatch'. Using mensalmente in a very casual text message to a friend can sound slightly robotic or overly formal. While not 'wrong', it can make you sound like a textbook. Using 'todo mês' or 'cada mês' is often better for social situations. For example, 'A gente se vê mensalmente' sounds like a scheduled business meeting, whereas 'A gente se vê todo mês' sounds like a friendly tradition.

❌ Eu pago por mensalmente a internet.
✅ Eu pago mensalmente a internet.

Note: Never use prepositions with adverbs ending in -mente.

Spelling is also a hurdle. Learners sometimes forget the 'l' or try to spell it like 'mesalmente' because the word for month is mês. Remember that when adding the suffix, the word often reverts to a form closer to its Latin root (mens-), hence mensalmente. Pay attention to the 'n'—it is crucial for both spelling and pronunciation.

❌ Minha assinatura é mensalmente.
✅ Minha assinatura é mensal.

Note: Use the adjective 'mensal' after 'ser' or 'estar' to describe a noun.

Lastly, be careful with multiple adverbs. In Portuguese, if you have a list of adverbs ending in '-mente', you only use the suffix on the last one. Incorrect: 'Ele trabalha mensalmente e anualmente.' Correct: 'Ele trabalha mensal e anualmente.' This is a sophisticated rule that will make you sound like a native speaker once mastered.

❌ Fazemos reuniões semanalmente e mensalmente.
✅ Fazemos reuniões semanal e mensalmente.

Note: This is a high-level stylistic rule for coordinating adverbs.

Portuguese offers a variety of ways to express frequency. While mensalmente is precise, knowing its synonyms and related terms will help you vary your speech and understand different registers of the language. From informal street talk to high-level legalese, here are the alternatives.

Todo mês: The most common informal alternative. Literally 'every month'. Use this in 90% of your daily conversations.
Periodicamente: Meaning 'periodically'. It is less specific than 'mensalmente' but often used when the exact monthly date might vary.
A cada mês: Meaning 'each month'. This emphasizes the individual nature of each occurring month, often used in budgeting.
Mensal (Adjective): As discussed, this is the adjective form. 'Uma revista mensal' (A monthly magazine).

When comparing mensalmente to other time-based adverbs, you can see the pattern of the '-mente' suffix. Learning one usually means you've learned them all. This regularity is one of the most learner-friendly aspects of Portuguese grammar. If you know the adjective, you can usually build the adverb.

Timeframe	Adjective	Adverb
Day	Diário	Diariamente
Week	Semanal	Semanalmente
Month	Mensal	Mensalmente
Year	Anual	Anualmente

In some contexts, especially in Portugal, you might hear por mês. For example, 'Quanto ganhas por mês?' (How much do you earn per month?). While mensalmente could be used here, por mês is far more frequent when discussing rates or salaries. Mensalmente is reserved for the *action* of paying or reporting.

O aluguel é cobrado mensalmente, mas o valor é fixado anualmente.

Translation: Rent is charged monthly, but the value is fixed annually.

Finally, consider 'recorrentemente' (recurrently). This is a broader term that implies something happens over and over. If you want to emphasize that something happens every month without fail, mensalmente is your best bet. If you just want to say it happens often, 'frequentemente' is a better choice. Choosing the right adverb adds precision and color to your Portuguese.

Eles viajam mensalmente para o interior para visitar a família.

Translation: They travel monthly to the countryside to visit family.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The suffix '-mente' used to be a separate word. In Old Portuguese, you could say 'sã e salva mente' (safely and soundly), but today we only attach it to the last adjective: 'sã e salvamente'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /mẽ.sal.ˈmẽ.tʃi/

US /mẽ.sal.ˈmẽ.te/

The primary stress is on the penultimate syllable: men-sal-MEN-te.

Rhymes With

infelizmente claramente rapidamente geralmente atualmente finalmente realmente totalmente

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'n' fully instead of nasalizing the vowel.
Treating the 'l' like a clear English 'l' instead of a Portuguese 'l' or 'u'.
Missing the stress on 'MEN'.
Pronouncing 'mente' as 'meant'.
Forgetting to nasalize the first 'e'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize if you know the word for month.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the '-mente' suffix and correct spelling with 'n'.

Speaking 3/5

Nasal vowels and the 'l' sound can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Distinct rhythm makes it easier to catch in a sentence.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

mês dia ano pagar fazer

Learn Next

anualmente semanalmente diariamente frequentemente raramente

Advanced

bimestralmente periodicamente recorrentemente intermitentemente sazonalmente

Grammar to Know

Adverb Formation

Take 'mensal', add 'mente' to get 'mensalmente'.

Invariability of Adverbs

Ela paga mensalmente. Eles pagam mensalmente. (No change).

Placement after Verb

Eu viajo mensalmente.

Suffix Omission

Trabalhamos semanal e mensalmente.

Nasalization

The 'en' in 'mensalmente' is a nasal vowel /ẽ/.

Examples by Level

Eu pago o aluguel mensalmente.

I pay the rent monthly.

Simple adverb placement after the verb.

O clube abre mensalmente para festas.

The club opens monthly for parties.

Modifying the verb 'abre'.

Nós lemos uma revista mensalmente.

We read a magazine monthly.

Frequency of a habit.

Ela viaja mensalmente para o Porto.

She travels monthly to Porto.

Regularity of travel.

O médico me vê mensalmente.

The doctor sees me monthly.

Direct object 'me' before the verb.

Eles pagam a conta mensalmente.

They pay the bill monthly.

Standard frequency usage.

Eu recebo flores mensalmente.

I receive flowers monthly.

Passive reception of an item.

O site é atualizado mensalmente.

The website is updated monthly.

Passive voice with an adverb.

Eu preciso pagar a academia mensalmente para treinar.

I need to pay the gym monthly to train.

Infinitive + adverb.

Nós nos reunimos mensalmente com os vizinhos.

We meet monthly with the neighbors.

Reflexive verb 'reunir-se'.

O banco cobra uma taxa mensalmente da minha conta.

The bank charges a fee monthly from my account.

Financial context.

Ela escreve um artigo mensalmente para o blog.

She writes an article monthly for the blog.

Creative frequency.

Vocês recebem o salário mensalmente no dia cinco?

Do you receive the salary monthly on the fifth?

Question form.

O jardim é cuidado mensalmente pelo jardineiro.

The garden is cared for monthly by the gardener.

Passive voice 'é cuidado'.

Eu verifico meu peso mensalmente na farmácia.

I check my weight monthly at the pharmacy.

Health routine.

A biblioteca recebe novos livros mensalmente.

The library receives new books monthly.

Standard administrative usage.

A empresa deve reportar seus ganhos mensalmente aos investidores.

The company must report its earnings monthly to investors.

Formal obligation.

O software de antivírus faz uma varredura completa mensalmente.

The antivirus software does a full scan monthly.

Technical context.

Mensalmente, revisamos nossas metas para garantir o sucesso.

Monthly, we review our goals to ensure success.

Adverb at the start for emphasis.

As assinaturas de streaming são renovadas mensalmente de forma automática.

Streaming subscriptions are renewed monthly automatically.

Two adverbs in one sentence.

O condomínio envia o boleto mensalmente por e-mail.

The condo association sends the bill monthly by email.

Modern administrative usage.

Ela contribui mensalmente para uma organização sem fins lucrativos.

She contributes monthly to a non-profit organization.

Social responsibility context.

Os alunos são avaliados mensalmente através de testes curtos.

Students are evaluated monthly through short tests.

Educational context.

O estoque da loja é reposto mensalmente para evitar faltas.

The store's stock is replenished monthly to avoid shortages.

Logistics context.

O comitê se reúne mensalmente para avaliar o impacto das novas leis.

The committee meets monthly to assess the impact of the new laws.

High-level administrative context.

Os dados de inflação são ajustados mensalmente pelo índice oficial.

Inflation data are adjusted monthly by the official index.

Economic terminology.

A revista científica publica artigos revisados por pares mensalmente.

The scientific journal publishes peer-reviewed articles monthly.

Academic context.

Mensalmente, o diretor geral envia um comunicado a todos os funcionários.

Monthly, the general director sends a memo to all employees.

Corporate communication.

O valor da pensão é depositado mensalmente na conta bancária do beneficiário.

The pension amount is deposited monthly into the beneficiary's bank account.

Legal/Financial context.

A manutenção dos elevadores deve ser realizada mensalmente por lei.

Elevator maintenance must be performed monthly by law.

Regulatory requirement.

Eles monitoram mensalmente a qualidade da água no reservatório.

They monthly monitor the water quality in the reservoir.

Environmental monitoring.

O historiador analisa mensalmente os novos documentos encontrados no arquivo.

The historian monthly analyzes the new documents found in the archive.

Specialized professional usage.

A volatilidade do mercado exige que os portfólios sejam rebalanceados mensalmente.

Market volatility requires that portfolios be rebalanced monthly.

Subjunctive mood 'sejam' after 'exige'.

O conselho de administração delibera mensalmente sobre as estratégias de expansão.

The board of directors deliberates monthly on expansion strategies.

Formal verb 'deliberar'.

Mensalmente, o periódico literário traz ensaios de autores contemporâneos renomados.

Monthly, the literary periodical brings essays from renowned contemporary authors.

Sophisticated vocabulary.

A eficácia do tratamento é aferida mensalmente através de biomarcadores específicos.

The treatment's efficacy is measured monthly through specific biomarkers.

Scientific/Medical precision.

O governo audita mensalmente as contas das prefeituras para evitar desvios.

The government audits municipal accounts monthly to prevent embezzlement.

Political/Legal context.

A curadoria do museu rotaciona as obras da galeria principal mensalmente.

The museum's curatorship rotates the works in the main gallery monthly.

Cultural management context.

Os parâmetros do algoritmo são recalibrados mensalmente para otimizar os resultados.

The algorithm's parameters are recalibrated monthly to optimize results.

High-tech/Data science context.

Mensalmente, o observatório astronômico publica um boletim sobre eventos celestes.

Monthly, the astronomical observatory publishes a bulletin on celestial events.

Scientific communication.

A periodicidade com que os dividendos são distribuídos mensalmente atrai investidores conservadores.

The frequency with which dividends are distributed monthly attracts conservative investors.

Complex sentence structure with relative clause.

Mensalmente, a alma da cidade parece renovar-se com a chegada das feiras típicas.

Monthly, the city's soul seems to renew itself with the arrival of typical fairs.

Literary/Poetic usage.

O fluxo de caixa deve ser escrutinado mensalmente para mitigar riscos de insolvência.

Cash flow must be scrutinized monthly to mitigate insolvency risks.

Advanced financial terminology ('escrutinado', 'insolvência').

A revista de filosofia propõe mensalmente um novo debate sobre a ética na era digital.

The philosophy magazine monthly proposes a new debate on ethics in the digital age.

Abstract intellectual context.

Os indicadores macroeconômicos, atualizados mensalmente, balizam as decisões do Banco Central.

Macroeconomic indicators, updated monthly, guide the Central Bank's decisions.

Appositive phrase 'atualizados mensalmente'.

Mensalmente, o autor submetia seus manuscritos ao rigoroso crivo do editor-chefe.

Monthly, the author submitted his manuscripts to the editor-in-chief's rigorous scrutiny.

Imperfect tense 'submetia' for habitual action.

A conformidade normativa é verificada mensalmente por uma agência independente de auditoria.

Regulatory compliance is verified monthly by an independent auditing agency.

Highly formal/Institutional usage.

O pacto federativo exige que os repasses de verbas ocorram mensalmente e sem atrasos.

The federative pact requires that fund transfers occur monthly and without delays.

Political/Constitutional context.

Common Collocations

pagar mensalmente

reunir-se mensalmente

atualizar mensalmente

cobrar mensalmente

contribuir mensalmente

visitar mensalmente

publicar mensalmente

verificar mensalmente

economizar mensalmente

treinar mensalmente

Common Phrases

Cobrado mensalmente

— Billed every month. Common in contracts.

O valor será cobrado mensalmente no seu cartão.

Relatório mensalmente enviado

— Report sent every month. Standard office lingo.

O relatório é mensalmente enviado à diretoria.

Assinatura paga mensalmente

— Subscription paid monthly. Used for SaaS or magazines.

Temos uma assinatura paga mensalmente.

Revisão feita mensalmente

— Review done monthly. Used for quality control.

A revisão é feita mensalmente pela equipe.

Meta batida mensalmente

— Goal reached monthly. Common in sales teams.

Eles têm a meta batida mensalmente.

Mensalmente sem falta

— Monthly without fail. Emphasizes reliability.

Eu faço exercícios mensalmente sem falta.

Valor fixo mensalmente

— Fixed value monthly. Used for stable costs.

Você paga um valor fixo mensalmente.

Consultas agendadas mensalmente

— Appointments scheduled monthly. Used in healthcare.

Minhas consultas são agendadas mensalmente.

Atualização mensalmente garantida

— Monthly update guaranteed. Marketing phrase.

Oferecemos atualização mensalmente garantida.

Depósito feito mensalmente

— Deposit made monthly. Used for savings.

O depósito é feito mensalmente na poupança.

Often Confused With

mensalmente vs mensal

Mensal is an adjective (describes a noun), while mensalmente is an adverb (describes an action).

mensalmente vs mensalidade

Mensalidade is the noun meaning 'monthly fee' or 'tuition'.

mensalmente vs mês

Mês is the noun for 'month'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Bater o ponto mensalmente"

— To show up or do something like a job every month. Implies routine.

Ele bate o ponto mensalmente naquela reunião chata.

informal

"De mês em mês"

— Gradually, month by month. Similar to 'little by little'.

De mês em mês, ele foi construindo a casa.

neutral

"Virar o mês"

— To reach the end of the month, often implying waiting for the next salary.

Estou sem dinheiro até virar o mês.

informal

"A cada lua"

— Poetic way to say monthly (once per moon cycle).

Eles se encontram a cada lua.

literary

"No fechar das contas"

— At the end of the month when bills are tallied.

No fechar das contas mensalmente, sempre sobra algo.

business/informal

"Mensalidade de sangue"

— Metaphor for a very heavy or difficult monthly obligation.

Aquele empréstimo é uma mensalidade de sangue.

slang

"Mês sim, mês não"

— Every other month (bimonthly).

Eu viajo mês sim, mês não.

neutral

"Fazer o mês"

— To earn enough money in a month to be satisfied.

Com essa venda, eu já fiz o mês.

informal

"No final do mês"

— Common phrase for 'at the end of the month'.

Sempre fico cansado no final do mês.

neutral

"Pagar o dízimo mensalmente"

— Literally paying a tithe, but often used for any recurring religious or group fee.

Ela paga o dízimo mensalmente na igreja.

religious/neutral

Easily Confused

mensalmente vs mensal

Both relate to 'month'.

Mensal is an adjective used before or after a noun. Mensalmente is an adverb used with verbs.

Pagamento mensal (adj) vs. Pagar mensalmente (adv).

mensalmente vs anualmente

Both are temporal adverbs ending in -mente.

Anualmente is once a year, mensalmente is once a month.

Eu pago o IPVA anualmente, mas o aluguel mensalmente.

mensalmente vs semanalmente

Both describe regular frequency.

Semanalmente is once a week.

Vou à feira semanalmente.

mensalmente vs diariamente

Both describe regular frequency.

Diariamente is every day.

Escovo os dentes diariamente.

mensalmente vs mensageiro

Similar prefix 'mens-'.

Mensageiro means 'messenger'. It has nothing to do with time.

O mensageiro entregou a carta.

Sentence Patterns

Eu [verbo] mensalmente.

Eu pago mensalmente.

Eu preciso [infinitivo] mensalmente.

Eu preciso treinar mensalmente.

O [substantivo] é [particípio] mensalmente.

O relatório é enviado mensalmente.

Mensalmente, nós [verbo]...

Mensalmente, nós revisamos o estoque.

Apesar de [verbo], [sujeito] ocorre mensalmente.

Apesar de caro, o evento ocorre mensalmente.

Dada a natureza de [algo], [sujeito] deve ser [verbo] mensalmente.

Dada a natureza do contrato, o valor deve ser ajustado mensalmente.

[Sujeito] costuma [verbo] mensalmente.

Ela costuma viajar mensalmente.

Nós não [verbo] mensalmente.

Nós não nos vemos mensalmente.

Word Family

Nouns

mês (month)

mensalidade (monthly fee/tuition)

mensário (monthly record/calendar)

Verbs

mensurar (to measure - related root)

amensalar (to make monthly - rare)

Adjectives

mensal (monthly)

bimestral (every two months)

semestral (every six months)

calendário

data

período

frequência

rotina

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in written Portuguese, medium-high in spoken Portuguese.

Common Mistakes

Eu pago por mensalmente. → Eu pago mensalmente.
You don't need a preposition before an adverb.
O valor mensalmente é 50 euros. → O valor mensal é 50 euros.
Use the adjective 'mensal' to describe the noun 'valor'.
Eu mesalmente vou ao cinema. → Eu mensalmente vou ao cinema (or better: Eu vou ao cinema mensalmente).
Spelling error (missing 'n') and slightly awkward word order.
Nós fazemos reuniões semanalmente e mensalmente. → Nós fazemos reuniões semanal e mensalmente.
Stylistic rule: drop the first '-mente' when coordinating two adverbs.
A mensalmente taxa é alta. → A taxa mensal é alta.
Adverbs cannot modify nouns directly in this way.

Tips

Adverb Suffix

Remember that almost any adjective ending in 'l' can become an adverb by adding 'mente'. Mensal -> Mensalmente, Geral -> Geralmente.

Business Writing

In professional emails, 'mensalmente' is always better than 'todo mês'. It sounds more precise and educated.

Nasal Vowels

Don't let the 'n' touch the roof of your mouth. The air should go through your nose for the 'men' part.

Related Words

Learn 'quinzenalmente' (bi-weekly) alongside 'mensalmente' to expand your frequency vocabulary.

Avoid Repetition

If you use 'mensalmente' in one sentence, try 'todos os meses' in the next to keep your writing interesting.

Brazilian Installments

When shopping in Brazil, you might hear 'pagar mensalmente' referring to credit card installments (parcelas).

The -ly Trick

If you can add '-ly' in English (Monthly), you can usually add '-mente' in Portuguese (Mensalmente).

No Prepositions

Adverbs are self-sufficient. Don't say 'em mensalmente'. Just 'mensalmente'.

Target Level

A2 learners should focus on using it for simple routines. B2 learners should use it for reports.

Rhythm

Listen for the four-beat rhythm: MEN-SAL-MEN-TE. It’s a very rhythmic word.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Men' and 'Sal' (Salt). Men need salt monthly to survive. Men-Sal-Mente.

Visual Association

Imagine a wall calendar where the page is being flipped once, and a giant '-LY' sticker is on the page.

Word Web

mês mensal mensalidade pagamento assinatura frequência calendário rotina

Challenge

Try to list five things you do mensalmente (e.g., pay bills, cut hair, visit family) and say them out loud.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'mensalis' (pertaining to a month), which comes from 'mensis' (month). The suffix '-mente' comes from the Latin 'mens' (mind/intent).

Original meaning: Doing something with a 'monthly mind' or in a 'monthly manner'.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that for some, 'mensalmente' implies a heavy financial burden if referring to debt.

English speakers often use 'monthly' as both an adjective and an adverb. In Portuguese, you must distinguish between 'mensal' and 'mensalmente'.

The 'Mensalão' scandal in Brazil (a political scandal involving monthly payments). Monthly magazines like 'Veja' or 'Visão'. Common bank marketing: 'Taxa zero mensalmente'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Banking

Taxa cobrada mensalmente
Extrato enviado mensalmente
Juros calculados mensalmente
Depósito feito mensalmente

Work

Reunião mensalmente agendada
Relatório mensalmente entregue
Salário pago mensalmente
Metas revisadas mensalmente

Subscriptions

Assinatura renovada mensalmente
Revista mensalmente enviada
Acesso cobrado mensalmente
Cancelável mensalmente

Health

Exame feito mensalmente
Consulta mensalmente marcada
Remédio tomado mensalmente
Peso verificado mensalmente

Home/Rent

Aluguel pago mensalmente
Condomínio mensalmente devido
Limpeza feita mensalmente
Contas pagas mensalmente

Conversation Starters

"Você costuma pagar suas contas mensalmente ou prefere o plano anual?"

"Quais revistas ou jornais você ainda recebe mensalmente em casa?"

"Você acha que nos deveríamos encontrar mensalmente para jantar?"

"O seu banco cobra muitas taxas mensalmente para manter a conta?"

"Qual hábito você tenta praticar mensalmente para cuidar da sua saúde?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre uma conta que você paga mensalmente e se ela vale a pena.

Descreva uma tradição que você e seus amigos fazem mensalmente.

Liste três metas que você gostaria de revisar mensalmente este ano.

Como você se organiza para pagar todas as suas dívidas mensalmente?

Reflita sobre como sua vida mudaria se você recebesse seu salário semanalmente em vez de mensalmente.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, in a strict sense. It implies a frequency of once per calendar month or every 30 days. For example, 'Eu pago o aluguel mensalmente' means you pay it once every month.

Yes, you can. Placing it at the start adds emphasis to the frequency. 'Mensalmente, eu visito minha avó' highlights the regularity of the visit.

Essentially, yes. 'Todo mês' is more informal and common in speech, while 'mensalmente' is more formal and common in writing.

'Mensal' is an adjective (e.g., 'revista mensal' - monthly magazine). 'Mensalmente' is an adverb (e.g., 'leio a revista mensalmente' - I read the magazine monthly).

No. Adverbs in Portuguese are invariable. Whether it is 'Eu pago' or 'Nós pagamos', it remains 'mensalmente'.

In Brazil, it sounds like 'MEN-tchi'. In Portugal, it sounds like 'MEN-te' (with a closed 'e').

It is 'mensalmente' with an 'n'. The 'n' indicates the nasal sound of the first vowel.

No. For twice a month, you would use 'quinzenalmente' (every fifteen days) or 'duas vezes por mês'.

Yes, it is standard in all Portuguese-speaking countries.

No. You should never use a preposition like 'por' or 'em' before an adverb ending in '-mente'. Just say 'mensalmente'.