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How to Say "perfectly" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “perfectly” is “perfectamente” — use this translation when describing an action or state that is done without any flaws or mistakes, emphasizing the quality of execution..

English → Spanish

perfectamente

per-fekt-a-MEN-teh/peɾˌfektaˈmente/

adverbA2general
Use this translation when describing an action or state that is done without any flaws or mistakes, emphasizing the quality of execution.
A close-up illustration of a single, brilliant, perfectly cut, and symmetrical diamond shining brightly on a blue velvet cloth.

Examples

Ella habla español perfectamente, como si fuera nativa.

She speaks Spanish perfectly, as if she were a native speaker.

Todo salió perfectamente en la boda, no hubo ni un solo error.

Everything went flawlessly at the wedding; there wasn't a single mistake.

Hemos seguido las instrucciones perfectamente.

We have followed the instructions exactly.

Adverbs from Adjectives

Most Spanish adverbs that describe 'how' an action is performed are created by taking the feminine form of an adjective (e.g., perfecta) and adding the suffix '-mente' (meaning 'in a manner').

Using the Adjective instead of the Adverb

Mistake: “Hablo español perfecto.”

Correction: Hablo español perfectamente. (You must use the '-mente' ending when describing the verb 'hablar' (to speak).)

absolutamente

ab-soh-loo-tah-men-tay/aβsoluˈtamente/

adverbB1general
Choose this word to mean 'completely' or 'without any doubt', often intensifying an adjective or describing something as entirely correct or true.
A clear glass cup is filled entirely to the very top edge with bright blue liquid, signifying completeness and intensity.

Examples

La respuesta es absolutamente correcta.

The answer is absolutely correct.

Estábamos absolutamente seguros de que ganaría el partido.

We were completely sure that he would win the game.

El trabajo está absolutamente terminado. Podemos irnos.

The work is utterly finished. We can leave.

Adverb Placement

Like most adverbs ending in -mente, 'absolutamente' usually goes before the adjective or after the verb it is modifying.

perlas

/PEHR-lahs//ˈpeɾlas/

adverbB1informal
Use this idiomatic expression when something is exactly what is needed or desired at a particular moment, fitting a situation ideally.
A single puzzle piece fitting exactly into a matching gap in a completed puzzle.

Examples

Este café me viene de perlas ahora mismo.

This coffee is exactly what I need right now.

Tus llaves me van de perlas para abrir esta caja.

Your keys work perfectly for opening this box.

The 'De' Connection

When 'perlas' follows the word 'de', it stops being a noun (a thing) and starts describing HOW something is or HOW it fits a situation.

Using 'Muy'

Mistake: “Me viene muy perlas.”

Correction: Me viene de perlas.

coña

/KOH-nyah//ˈkoɲa/

nounC1informal
This informal term is used to describe a situation or outcome that has turned out exceptionally well, often unexpectedly.
A vibrant illustration of a person celebrating with a giant gold trophy and confetti.

Examples

El viaje nos salió de coña.

The trip turned out great for us.

Este hotel está de coña.

This hotel is awesome.

Positive vs. Joking

Context is key! 'Estar de coña' means kidding, but if a thing 'está de coña,' it means that thing is fantastic.

Choosing Between 'Perfectamente' and 'Absolutamente'

Learners often confuse 'perfectamente' and 'absolutamente'. Remember that 'perfectamente' describes flawless execution of an action, while 'absolutamente' means completely or totally, often intensifying an adjective like 'correct'.

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