vs 

QUICK ANSWER
"Mostly" is an adverb which is often translated as "principalmente", and "mainly" is an adverb which is also often translated as "principalmente". Learn more about the difference between "mostly" and "mainly" below.
mostly(
most
-
li
)
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
adverb
a. principalmente
This condition mostly affects children.Esta enfermedad afecta principalmente a los niños.
b. en su mayoría
The money comes mostly from donations.El dinero procede, en su mayoría, de donaciones.
a. generalmente
Mostly, we don't eat meat.Generalmente, no comemos carne.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.
mainly(
meyn
-
li
)
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
adverb
a. principalmente
I bought it online, mainly because it's cheaper that way.Lo compré en línea, principalmente porque así sale más barato.
b. fundamentalmente
We are mainly concerned about your grades, Kate.Fundamentalmente nos preocupan tus notas, Kate.
c. mayormente
What mainly worries me is whether or not we can afford to buy a home.Lo que me preocupa mayormente es si podremos algún día comprar una casa.
a. en su mayoría
The students in my Spanish class are mainly Americans.Los estudiantes en mi clase de español son en su mayoría estadounidenses.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.