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"Hardly" is an adverb which is often translated as "apenas", and "scarcely" is an adverb which is also often translated as "apenas". Learn more about the difference between "hardly" and "scarcely" below.
hardly(
hard
-
li
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
1. (general)
a. apenas
There's hardly any space left in the suitcase. Maybe we should bring another.Apenas cabe más en la maleta. Quizás deberíamos traer otra.
b. casi
That restaurant used to be really popular, but now hardly anyone goes anymore.Ese restaurante antes era muy popular, pero ya no va casi nadie.
c. difícilmente
We were so far away from the stage we could hardly see the band members.Estábamos tan lejos del escenario que difícilmente podíamos ver a los músicos.
scarcely(
skehrs
-
li
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
1. (only just)
a. apenas
Edith had scarcely been in the shower for two minutes when the hot water stopped coming out.Edith llevaba apenas dos minutos en la ducha cuando dejó de salir agua caliente.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Scarcely any house in the area has a swimming pool.Casi ninguna casa de la zona tiene piscina.
We scarcely knew what to make of it.No sabíamos qué pensar.
2. (rarely)
a. apenas
She lives alone, and entire days go by with her scarcely talking to anyone.Vive sola y pasan días enteros en los que apenas habla con nadie.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
I have scarcely ever seen her wearing no makeup.Rara vez la vi yo sin maquillaje.
We scarcely ever go to the beach these days because we're so busy.Casi nunca vamos a la playa estos días, porque es que estamos tan ocupados.
3. (not at all)
a. ni mucho menos
The painting in the hotel is scarcely what I would call art.El cuadro del hotel no es ni mucho menos lo que yo llamaría arte.
