Adding Emphasis to Sentences
Spanish has numerous ways in which it is possible to emphasize the truthful nature of a statement or sentence. Following are some examples along with some possible English translations.
Note that many of these terms are interchangeable, both in the Spanish and in the translation:
- ahora bien (now then): Ahora bien, la situación es que no vivimos ni en tiempos bíblicos. (Now then, the situation is that we don't live in Bible times.)
- claro que (clearly): Claro que es necesario. (Clearly it is necessary.)
de hecho (in fact): De hecho el hierro es más duro que el estaño. (In fact, iron is harder than tin.
de veras (really): De veras me siento feliz de que alguien se tome el tiempo de leerme. (I feel really happy that someone is taking the time to read to me.)
- en realidad (in reality): En realidad todo depende de sus necesidades específicas. (In reality, everything depends on your specific needs.)
- ** es que** (the fact is): Es que no puedo hacer todo el trabajo. (The fact is I can't do all the work.)
- por supuesto (of course): Por supuesto, ocurrirá como el caso de Microsoft y Netscape. (Of course, it will occur as in the case of Microsoft and Netscape.)
- realmente (really): Realmente la aspirina es un salvavidas. (Aspirin is really a lifesaver.)