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Adverbs tell how, where, or why something is done. Normal adverbs end with −E, but there are a few particles (described later) which behave as adverbs, too. Nouns, adjectives, and verbs may be converted to adverbs by changing their endings to −E.
In English, nearly any adjective can become an adverb with the addition of the “−ly” suffix, meaning to act in a manner described by the adjective. Esperanto does the same: from malica (malicious) we get malice (maliciously).
When a noun becomes an adverb, the result generally means to use the original item, as leĝe (legally = by means of laws) from leĝo (law). If the noun names a place, the adverb more likely means “in that place”, as hejme (at home) from hejmo (a home).
Adverbs that name a place can take the accusative ending −n, and then mean toward that place: Ni iru hejmen (Let’s go home).
When a verb becomes an adverb, the result generally means by means of the original action, or occuring at the same time: Li kure liveris la leterojn (He delivered the letters while running).
Prefixes and suffixes can become adverbs: from re− (again, repeating, back) we get ree (inversely), as in kuri hejmen kaj reen (to run home and back again). From ek− (commencement, suddenness) we get eke (suddenly).
Comparison of adverbs is as for adjectives: with the words pli and plej.
| positive | comparative | superlative |
|---|---|---|
| laŭte loudly |
pli laŭte more loudly |
la plej laŭte the most loudly |
| zorge carefully |
pli zorge more carefully |
la plej zorge the most carefully |
| bone well |
pli bone better |
la plej bone the best |
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