We are always affirming and denying as it is part of our logical or critical thinking. As a result of this, being aware of how to express affirmative and negative statements is vital. For a start, it is important to outline that the words generally used to deny or affirm are mainly adverbs. These adverbs give more information about the verbs and sometimes work as complements.
Negative adverbs
These adverbs change affirmative statements and questions into negative statements and questions. The nost common English negative adverb is “not”, the Spanish equivalent is “no”. Obviously there are other negative adverbs like “todavía no”, “ya no”, “nada de”, “nunca”, “tampoco” and so forth. See the examples below:
“No quiero estudiar.”> I don’t want to study.
“¿No tienes sed?” > Aren’t you thirsty?
“Todavía no ha comenzado la clase.” > The class hasn’t started yet.
“Ya no quiero viajar en taxi.” > I don’t want to travel by taxi.
“Tampoco tengo mascota.” > I don’t have a pet either.
“Mary nunca toma café.” > Mary never drinks coffee.
“Jamás olvido mis llaves.” > I never forget my keys.
“¡Nada de jugar en la sala!” > No playing in the living room.
Affirmative adverbs
These adverbs are used to provide affirmation and certainty. The most common is “sí” > “yes”. The following adverbs are other alternatives; “siempre” > “always”, “claro” > “sure”, “también” > “also”, “cierto” > “certainly”, “claramente”> “clearly”, “obviamente” > “obviously” and “totalmente” > “totally”/“completely” in this degree. There are also adverbial phrases like “desde luego”, “por supuesto”/“claro que sí” > “of course”, “en efecto” > “actually”/“in fact” and so forth.
“Siempre mira a ambos lados.” > Always look at both sides.
“Los animales también necesitan cuidado y afecto.” > Animals also need care and affection.
“¿Quésí quiero ir al parque? ¡Obvio!” > Do I want to go to the park? Obviously!
“Esa mujer es claramente una oficial del ejército.” > Clearly, that woman is an army officer.
“En efecto, no hay dinero en el banco.” > Actually, there is no money in the bank.
To sum up, these affirmation and negation adverbs are commonly used by Spanish speakers. These adverbials help us express the degree of agreement or disagreement we have with what someone just said. If you wish to go further with your Spanish lessons, you can rely on Bright Lingua. We have the best methodology and the most qualified native teachers. Give it a try!