perfecto
“perfecto” means “perfect” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
perfect
Also: complete, exact
📝 In Action
Este es el lugar perfecto para unas vacaciones.
A1This is the perfect place for a vacation.
Tu pronunciación no es perfecta, pero se entiende muy bien.
A2Your pronunciation isn't perfect, but it's very easy to understand.
La película tiene un final perfecto.
B1The movie has a perfect ending.
Perfect!
Also: Great!, Okay!, Alright.
📝 In Action
—¿Nos vemos a las seis en el café? —¡Perfecto!
A1—Shall we meet at six at the café? —Perfect!
—Ya envié el correo electrónico. —Perfecto, gracias.
A2—I've sent the email. —Great, thanks.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: perfecto
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'perfecto' correctly?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'perfectus', which was the past participle of the verb 'perficere', meaning 'to finish' or 'to complete'. This idea of 'completed' is why you see it in the names of verb tenses like the 'Pretérito Perfecto', which talks about actions that have been completed.
First recorded: Around the 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'perfecto' and 'perfectamente'?
'Perfecto' is a describing word for things (adjective). It tells you what something is like (e.g., 'un plan perfecto' - a perfect plan). 'Perfectamente' describes how an action is done (adverb). It tells you how something happens (e.g., 'Entiendo perfectamente' - I understand perfectly).
Why is a verb tense called 'pretérito perfecto'? Does it mean 'perfect tense'?
Great question! It's not about being 'perfect' as in 'flawless'. The word 'perfecto' comes from a Latin word meaning 'completed'. So, the 'pretérito perfecto' is used to talk about actions that are completed or finished. Think of it as the 'completed tense'!