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"Certain" is an adjective which is often translated as "seguro", and "certainly" is an adverb which is often translated as "por supuesto". Learn more about the difference between "certain" and "certainly" below.
certain(
suhr
-
tihn
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (definite)
a. seguro
What is certain is that technology will keep advancing.Lo que es seguro es que la tecnología seguirá avanzando.
2. (convinced)
a. seguro
I can't be completely certain, it's just a suspicion.No estoy completamente segura, es solo una sospecha.
3. (particular)
certainly(
suhrt
-
ihn
-
li
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
1. (definitely)
a. por supuesto
I certainly would like to go, but I don't think I'll have time.Por supuesto que me gustaría ir, pero no creo que tenga tiempo.
b. sin duda
We're certainly going to have problems if we don't change our protocol.Sin duda vamos a tener problemas si no cambiamos nuestro protocolo.
c. desde luego
Why don't we go see a movie? There's certainly enough time.¿Por qué no vamos a ver una película? Desde luego hay bastante tiempo.
d. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
He's certainly nice, but he doesn't have much personality.Es cierto que es amable pero no tiene mucha personalidad.
That would certainly be worth considering.Es verdad que valdría la pena considerarlo.
e. con toda certeza
Your friends are certainly excited to attend your wedding.Con toda certeza, tus amigos están emocionados de asistir a tu boda.
a. claro
Do you want to come to that concert with me? - Certainly, I'm up for it!¿Me quieres acompañar a ese concierto? - ¡Claro, me apunto!
b. por supuesto
Should we order some fries? - Certainly!¿Pedimos unas patatas fritas? - ¡Por supuesto!
