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How to Say "of course" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “of course” is “claro” — use 'claro' as a direct, enthusiastic affirmation or agreement to a question, similar to 'sure!' or 'absolutely!'..

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claro

/KLAH-roh//ˈkla.ɾo/

InterjectionA1Informal
Use 'claro' as a direct, enthusiastic affirmation or agreement to a question, similar to 'sure!' or 'absolutely!'.
Two friends talking, one asks a question and the other gives an enthusiastic thumbs-up, representing '¡Claro!' as 'Of course!'.

Examples

- ¿Me ayudas? - ¡Claro!

- Can you help me? - Of course!

Claro que sí, puedes contar conmigo.

Of course, you can count on me.

Claro, lo entiendo perfectamente.

Right, I understand it perfectly.

naturalmente

nah-too-rahl-MEHN-teh/na.tu.ralˈmen.te/

AdverbA2Neutral
Use 'naturalmente' to confirm something as expected or the natural outcome of a situation, often implying 'as you'd expect'.
A cartoon hand giving a clear thumbs up gesture against a solid background, symbolizing agreement or confirmation.

Examples

¿Vas a venir a la cena? — ¡Naturalmente!

Are you coming to dinner? — Of course!

Necesitas estudiar para el examen. Naturalmente, si quieres aprobar.

You need to study for the test. Naturally, if you want to pass.

Si llueve, naturalmente, tendremos que cancelar el picnic.

If it rains, obviously, we will have to cancel the picnic.

Placement in the Sentence

This word is flexible. It can go at the beginning or end of a sentence, or even interrupt the middle, to add a tone of certainty or obviousness.

obviamente

/ob-bvee-ah-MEN-te//oβbjamente/

AdverbA2Neutral
Use 'obviamente' when stating something that is clear, evident, or self-explanatory, similar to 'obviously' or 'clearly'.
A colorful storybook illustration of a small person pointing emphatically upwards at a very large, bright yellow sun in a clear blue sky, symbolizing something evident or obvious.

Examples

Obviamente, si no estudias, reprobarás el examen.

Obviously, if you don't study, you will fail the exam.

¿Vas a ir a la fiesta? — ¡Obviamente!

Are you going to the party? — Of course!

El vestido es demasiado grande. Obviamente, necesito una talla más pequeña.

The dress is too big. Evidently, I need a smaller size.

The '-mente' Rule

Most Spanish words that end in '-mente' are adverbs and act exactly like English words ending in '-ly'. 'Obviamente' comes from the adjective 'obvio' (obvious).

Confusing Adjectives and Adverbs

Mistake: “Muchos estudiantes usan 'obvio' en lugar de 'obviamente' para modificar una frase entera. (e.g., 'Obvio, no quiero ir.')”

Correction: Use the full adverb form: 'Obviamente, no quiero ir.' (Obviously, I don't want to go.) Although the short form is common informally, the full adverb is standard and correct.

lógico

AdjectiveB1Neutral
Use 'lógico' as a strong affirmation that something is the sensible or logical thing to do or expect.

Examples

—¿Vas a venir a la fiesta? —¡Lógico!

—Are you coming to the party? —Of course! / Obviously!

pues

/pwess//pwes/

AdverbA2Informal
Use 'pues' primarily as a filler or intensifier, often paired with 'claro' or 'sí' to add emphasis to an affirmative answer.
A friendly cartoon character giving a very enthusiastic, large thumbs-up gesture with a wide, confident smile, symbolizing strong affirmation.

Examples

¿Vas a venir a la fiesta? —¡Pues claro que sí!

Are you coming to the party? —Well, of course I am!

No quiero ir. —Pues no vayas.

I don't want to go. —Well then, don't go.

¿Te gustó? —Pues sí, bastante.

Did you like it? —Yeah, I did, quite a lot.

Choosing Between 'Claro' and 'Naturalmente'

Learners often confuse 'claro' and 'naturalmente'. Remember that 'claro' is a more direct, interjectory 'sure!' or 'absolutely!', while 'naturalmente' implies that the answer is expected or the logical outcome.

Related Translations

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