Inklingo

How to Say "explicitly" in Spanish

English → Spanish

directamente

dee-rek-tah-MEN-tehdi.ɾek.taˈmen.te

adverbB1general
Use 'directamente' when you want to say something in a straightforward, open, and honest way, without hiding details or beating around the bush.
A girl with wide, honest eyes speaking clearly and directly to a boy who looks slightly surprised. They are sitting face-to-face on colorful stools.

Examples

Te lo digo directamente: no creo que esa sea la mejor solución.

I'm telling you directly: I don't think that's the best solution.

Para serle honesto, te lo diré directamente: no me gusta la idea.

To be honest, I'll tell you directly: I don't like the idea.

Ella preguntó directamente si él iba a renunciar.

She asked explicitly if he was going to resign.

expresamente

ex-pre-sa-MEN-teekspresaˈmente

adverbB1general
Use 'expresamente' when the action is done with a specific, clear intention or purpose, leaving no room for doubt about the reason behind it.
A king pointing firmly to a specific spot on a scroll to show a clear and formal command.

Examples

Viajé expresamente a Madrid para asistir a esa conferencia.

I traveled expressly to Madrid to attend that conference.

He venido expresamente para hablar contigo.

I have come specifically to talk to you.

El reglamento prohíbe expresamente fumar en el edificio.

The regulations expressly prohibit smoking in the building.

Lo pedí expresamente sin picante.

I specifically asked for it without spicy sauce.

Adverb formation

This word is formed by taking the feminine form of the adjective 'expreso' (which is 'expresa') and adding the ending '-mente'. This is how Spanish turns many adjectives into adverbs.

Double Stress Rule

When you say this word, it sounds like it has two pulses of energy: one on 'PRE' and the main one on 'MEN'. This is typical for words ending in '-mente'.

Thinking it means 'quickly'

Mistake: “Using 'expresamente' to mean fast (like an express train).”

Correction: Use 'rápidamente' for speed. 'Expresamente' means 'with clear intent' or 'specifically,' not fast.

Spelling confusion

Mistake: “Spelling it with a 'c' like 'expressamente' in English.”

Correction: Remember that Spanish uses 'x' but avoids the double 's'. It is always 'expresamente'.

Directly vs. Expressly

Learners often confuse 'directamente' and 'expresamente' by using 'directamente' when they mean 'for a specific reason'. Remember, 'directamente' means 'straightforwardly' or 'honestly', while 'expresamente' implies a deliberate purpose.

Related Translations

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