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"Certainly" is an adverb which is often translated as "por supuesto", and "surely" is an adverb which is often translated as "seguramente". Learn more about the difference between "certainly" and "surely" below.
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!
surely(
shuhr
-
li
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
1. (certainly)
a. seguramente
She's surely the best person for the job.Seguramente es el mejor candidato para el puesto.
b. sin duda
Time travel surely won't happen in our lifetimes.El viaje a través del tiempo sin duda no lo verán nuestros ojos.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Rossi must surely be the favorite to win.Rossi tiene que ser el gran favorito.
Surely there must be lots of people in the same situation.Tiene que haber mucha gente en la misma situación.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Surely you haven't forgotten they're coming to dinner tonight?¿No te habrás olvidado de que vienen a cenar esta noche?
You don't need to take all this, surely? You're only going away for the weekend.No vas a llevar todo esto, ¿verdad? Es un viaje de fin de semana nada más.
a. con seguridad
She played the piece surely and with great expression.Tocó la pieza con seguridad y gran expresión a la vez.
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
5. (of course)
a. por supuesto
Would I be able to get a ride with you? - Surely! I'll pick you up at 7 pm.¿Me podrías llevar en tu auto? - ¡Por supuesto! Te recogeré a las 7 pm.
b. cómo no (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
Could I borrow your pen? - Surely!¿Me prestas tu bolígrafo? - ¡Cómo no!
