How to Say "properly" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “properly” is “correctamente” — use this when you mean 'in a way that follows rules, instructions, or the right procedure'.
correctamente
koh-rek-tah-MEN-tehkorekˈtamente
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.)
adecuadamente
ah-deh-kwah-dah-MEN-tehaðeˈkwaðamente
Examples
Lávate las manos adecuadamente antes de comer.
Wash your hands properly before eating.
Es importante vestirse adecuadamente para una entrevista de trabajo.
It is important to dress appropriately for a job interview.
El equipo no respondió adecuadamente a los cambios del mercado.
The team did not respond suitably to the market changes.
The '-mente' ending
In Spanish, adding '-mente' to the end of a feminine adjective is just like adding '-ly' in English. It turns a description of a thing into a description of an action.
Combining with other adverbs
If you use two '-mente' words together, like 'properly and quickly,' only the second one keeps the '-mente' ending. Example: 'lenta y adecuadamente' (slowly and properly).
Adverb vs. Adjective
Mistake: “El coche funciona adecuado.”
Correction: El coche funciona adecuadamente. Use the '-mente' version to describe HOW the car works (the action), not what the car IS.
debidamente
deh-bee-dah-men-tehdeβiðaˈmente
Examples
Los documentos deben estar debidamente firmados.
The documents must be properly signed.
El personal está debidamente capacitado para esta tarea.
The staff is duly trained for this task.
Asegúrese de que el equipo esté debidamente instalado antes de usarlo.
Make sure the equipment is correctly installed before using it.
Adverbs ending in -mente
Just like '-ly' in English, Spanish adverbs ending in '-mente' describe HOW an action is done and never change their form, regardless of whether you are talking about a man, a woman, or a group.
Positioning 'debidamente'
This word usually comes after the verb it describes, or between a helper verb (like 'está') and a description (like 'firmado').
Confusing 'debido' and 'debidamente'
Mistake: “El contrato está debido firmado.”
Correction: El contrato está debidamente firmado. Use the adverb ending in '-mente' when you are describing the action of signing, not the contract itself.
regularmente
reh-goo-lahr-MEN-tehreɣulaɾˈmente
Examples
El contrato fue firmado regularmente ante un notario.
The contract was properly signed before a notary.
La empresa opera regularmente bajo las leyes locales.
The company operates lawfully under local laws.
Todo el proceso se llevó a cabo regularmente.
The entire process was carried out methodically and according to rule.
Formal Contexts
When you see this word in a contract or a news report, it likely means 'according to the rules' rather than 'often'.
propiamente
pro-pya-MEN-tepɾopjaˈmente
Examples
Esto no es un bosque propiamente dicho, sino un parque grande.
Strictly speaking, this isn't a forest, but a large park.
Para hablar propiamente, tendríamos que analizar los datos primero.
To speak accurately, we would have to analyze the data first.
La película no es de terror propiamente, es más un suspenso.
The movie isn't strictly horror; it's more of a thriller.
The '-mente' Ending
This word is formed by adding '-mente' to the adjective 'propia.' In Spanish, this is the standard way to turn a description word into an action-describing word, similar to adding '-ly' in English.
Placement for Emphasis
When you want to clarify a definition, 'propiamente' usually follows the noun it is describing, often paired with 'dicho' (said).
Don't use it for 'Good Behavior'
Mistake: “No te portaste propiamente.”
Correction: No te portaste bien.
Correctamente vs. Adecuadamente
Related Translations
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