directamente

/dee-rek-tah-MEN-teh/

directly

A cheerful blue arrow moving in a perfectly straight, unobstructed line from a yellow starting point to a red circular target, illustrating movement without deviation.

When something happens directamente, it means it follows a straight path without turning or stopping.

directamente(adverb)

directly

without deviation or middle step (physical or procedural)

Also:

straight

in a physical direction

at once

immediately (less common usage)

📝 In Action

El bus va directamente al centro de la ciudad.

The bus goes directly to the city center.

Hablé directamente con el gerente, sin pasar por recepción.

I spoke directly with the manager, without going through reception.

¿Podemos ir directamente al grano?

Can we get straight to the point?

Word Connections

Synonyms

derecho (straight ahead)
en línea recta (in a straight line)

Antonyms

indirectamente (indirectly)
rodeando (going around)

Common Collocations

ir directamente – to go directly
afectar directamente – to directly affect

💡 Grammar Points

Adverb Formation

Like many Spanish adverbs, 'directamente' is formed by adding '-mente' (which often works like '-ly' in English) to the feminine form of the adjective 'directa'.

⭐ Usage Tips

Meaning 'Straight Ahead'

While 'derecho' means 'straight ahead' (for direction), 'directamente' emphasizes the absence of stops or people involved in a journey or process.

A girl with wide, honest eyes speaking clearly and directly to a boy who looks slightly surprised. They are sitting face-to-face on colorful stools.

Using directamente can also mean speaking clearly and honestly, or 'frankly.'

directamente(adverb)

frankly

speaking candidly

explicitly

without hiding anything

Also:

bluntly

being very forthright

📝 In Action

Para serle honesto, te lo diré directamente: no me gusta la idea.

To be honest, I'll tell you directly: I don't like the idea.

Ella preguntó directamente si él iba a renunciar.

She asked explicitly if he was going to resign.

Word Connections

Synonyms

claramente (clearly)
francamente (frankly)

Antonyms

con rodeos (in a roundabout way)
sutilmente (subtly)

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: directamente

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'directamente' to mean 'frankly' or 'explicitly'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

directo(direct (masculine adjective)) - adjective

directa(direct (feminine adjective)) - adjective

dirección(direction) - noun

dirigir(to direct / to manage) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

¿Es 'directamente' lo mismo que 'derecho'?

They are related! 'Derecho' often means 'straight ahead' (e.g., 'sigue derecho por esta calle'). 'Directamente' is broader and means 'without interruption or deviation,' whether in a physical path or a conversation.

Does 'directamente' always mean 'immediately'?

Not usually. For 'right now' or 'immediately,' Spanish speakers typically prefer 'ahora mismo' or 'inmediatamente.' While 'directamente' can imply quickness (because there are no delays), its main focus is the lack of intermediary steps.