efectivamente
/eh-fek-tee-bah-MEN-teh/
indeed
The word 'efectivamente' is often used to confirm a statement, much like a nod or a thumbs up.
efectivamente(adverb)
indeed
?confirming a statement
,exactly
?agreeing with a fact
that's right
?casual confirmation
,quite so
?formal agreement
📝 In Action
—¿Había mucha gente en la fiesta? —Efectivamente, estaba lleno.
A2—Were there many people at the party? —Indeed, it was packed.
Efectivamente, el tren llegó con retraso.
B1Exactly as expected, the train arrived late.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Confirmation' Word
Use this word when you want to say 'yes' but want to sound a bit more certain or formal than just saying 'sí'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
The 'Effectively' Trap
Mistake: "Using 'efectivamente' to mean 'doing something in an efficient way'."
Correction: Use 'eficientemente' for 'efficiently'. 'Efectivamente' is almost always about confirming the truth of something.
⭐ Usage Tips
Great for Professionalism
In a business meeting, answering a question with 'Efectivamente' makes you sound very professional and confident.
'Efectivamente' can also mean that an action was effectively carried out or completed.
efectivamente(adverb)
effectively
?meaning something was actually carried out
,in fact
?referring to reality versus theory
really
?emphasizing that an action occurred
📝 In Action
La ley no se aplicó efectivamente hasta el año siguiente.
B2The law wasn't effectively applied until the following year.
💡 Grammar Points
Describing the Result
This usage describes how an action was completed in the real world, rather than just on paper.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: efectivamente
Question 1 of 1
If a waiter asks if you are finished and you want to say 'Exactly, I am,' which word is best?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'efectivamente' mean 'effectively' in English?
Only sometimes. In English, 'effectively' often means 'doing something well/efficiently.' In Spanish, 'efectivamente' almost always means 'That is correct' or 'Indeed.' To say 'efficiently,' use 'eficientemente'.