exactamente
“exactamente” means “exactly” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
exactly
Also: precisely, just
📝 In Action
El tren llega a las seis exactamente.
A2The train arrives at exactly six o'clock.
Necesito exactamente cien gramos de queso.
A2I need exactly one hundred grams of cheese.
Esto es exactamente lo que buscaba.
B1This is exactly what I was looking for.
Hazlo exactamente como te enseñé.
B1Do it just like I taught you.
Exactly!
Also: That's right!, You got it!
📝 In Action
—Entonces, ¿el problema es la falta de tiempo? —Exactamente.
A2—So, the problem is the lack of time? —Exactly.
—Creo que deberíamos hablar con él primero. —¡Exactamente! Es lo más sensato.
B1—I think we should talk to him first. —Exactly! That's the most sensible thing to do.
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: exactamente
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'exactamente' to mean 'That's right!' or to show strong agreement?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'exactus', which meant 'precise' or 'measured out'. The '-mente' ending in Spanish adverbs comes from the Latin word 'mens' for 'mind'. So, 'exactamente' literally meant something like 'with an exact mind'.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'exactamente' and 'justo'?
They can sometimes mean the same thing ('exactly'), but there's a slight difference. 'Exactamente' is all about precision and accuracy ('the number is exactly 100'). 'Justo' often has a feeling of 'just enough' or 'just in time' ('llegué justo a tiempo' - I arrived just in time). While you could say 'llegué exactamente a las 5', 'justo' adds that extra flavor of it being perfect timing.
Can I just say 'exacto' to agree with someone?
Yes, you can! In casual conversation, it's very common for people to just say '¡Exacto!' instead of '¡Exactamente!' to agree with someone. They both work perfectly and mean the same thing in that context.