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How to Say "correctly" in Spanish

English → Spanish

bien

/byen//ˈbjen/

adverbA1general
Use 'bien' when referring to something being done well, skillfully, or in a generally satisfactory way.
A person giving a thumbs-up to show that something is done well.

Examples

Ella canta muy bien.

She sings very well.

No me siento bien hoy.

I don't feel well today.

El examen me salió bien.

The exam went well for me.

Adverb vs. Adjective: `bien` vs. `bueno`

Bien usually describes how you do something (an action), while bueno describes what something is like (a person or thing). Think: 'sing well' (cantar bien) vs. 'a good song' (una buena canción).

Using `bueno` instead of `bien` for Health

Mistake: “Estoy bueno.”

Correction: Estoy bien. (I am well.)

correctamente

/koh-rek-tah-MEN-teh//korekˈtamente/

adverbA2general
Use 'correctamente' to emphasize that an action was performed according to specific instructions, rules, or procedures.
A simple wooden toy block with a square hole, and a matching square wooden peg that is perfectly inserted into the hole, demonstrating a task completed correctly.

Examples

Si sigues las instrucciones correctamente, el plato saldrá delicioso.

If you follow the instructions correctly, the dish will turn out delicious.

Ella no contestó correctamente a la pregunta del profesor.

She did not answer the teacher's question correctly.

Por favor, asegúrate de que el documento esté firmado correctamente antes de enviarlo.

Please, make sure the document is signed properly before sending it.

The '-mente' Adverb Rule

Most Spanish adverbs that end in '-ly' (like 'correctly') are formed by taking the feminine version of the adjective ('correcta') and adding '-mente'.

Using the Adjective instead of the Adverb

Mistake: “El coche funciona correcto.”

Correction: El coche funciona correctamente. (Remember, use the adverb to describe *how* the action of working is done.)

Bien vs. Correctamente

Learners often use 'bien' when a more precise adverb like 'correctamente' is needed. If you mean 'in the right way' according to a specific method or rule, choose 'correctamente' instead of the more general 'bien'.

Related Translations

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