literalmente
/lee-teh-rahl-MEHN-teh/
literally
When something happens literalmente, it happens exactly as specified, like standing precisely on the spot indicated on a map.
literalmente(adverb)
literally
?exactly as written or said
,word for word
?translation or repetition
exactly
?precise following of instructions
📝 In Action
El documento debe ser traducido literalmente para que sea legal.
B2The document must be translated literally for it to be legal.
Siga las instrucciones literalmente y no habrá errores.
B1Follow the instructions exactly, and there won't be errors.
💡 Grammar Points
Adverb Formation
Most Spanish adverbs that describe 'how' something is done are formed by adding the ending '-mente' to the feminine form of an adjective (in this case, 'literal' + '-mente').
⭐ Usage Tips
Use for Accuracy
When you want to clarify that you are not using a metaphor or exaggeration, this is the perfect word to stress factual accuracy.
Literalmente can be used for strong emphasis, like suggesting something is absolutely or incredibly intense.
literalmente(adverb)
absolutely
?used for strong emphasis
,truly
?used to confirm a strong feeling
really
?informal emphasis
📝 In Action
Literalmente morí de la vergüenza cuando me caí.
C1I literally died of embarrassment when I fell (meaning: I was extremely embarrassed).
Estaba tan ocupado que, literalmente, no tuve tiempo de comer.
B2I was so busy that I literally didn't have time to eat (meaning: I truly had no time).
💡 Grammar Points
Hyperbolic Usage
In casual speech, 'literalmente' often loses its strict meaning and is used simply to exaggerate a feeling or situation, just like its equivalent in English.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing literal and figurative use
Mistake: "¿Vas a explotar literalmente?"
Correction: This usage is okay if you mean it was shocking, but remember that 'exploding' usually isn't literal. If you mean 'really mad,' say 'Estás a punto de explotar de rabia.'
⭐ Usage Tips
Modern Emphasis
This emphatic use is a hallmark of native speech, especially among younger speakers. It immediately makes your Spanish sound more natural and conversational.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: literalmente
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'literalmente' to mean 'exactly' (Definition 1) instead of 'absolutely' (Definition 2)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to use 'literalmente' when I don't mean something is strictly literal?
Yes, absolutely! Just like in English, 'literalmente' is frequently used in Spanish to add strong emphasis or exaggerate how intense a feeling was, even if the action described (like 'dying of laughter') didn't actually happen. This usage is very common in informal speech.
Does 'literalmente' change based on the gender of the noun?
'Literalmente' is an adverb, which means it describes an action (a verb) or another descriptive word (an adjective). Adverbs always stay the same and do not change gender or number.