Inklingo

How to Say "specifically" in Spanish

English → Spanish

concretamente

/kon-kre-tah-MEN-teh//koŋ.kɾe.taˈmen.te/

adverbB1general
Use this when you are narrowing down a general topic or idea to a more precise example.
A single bright red apple standing out among a large group of green apples.

Examples

Me gusta la comida italiana, concretamente la pizza.

I like Italian food, specifically pizza.

¿Qué es lo que necesitas concretamente para terminar el proyecto?

What exactly do you need to finish the project?

El informe trata sobre las ventas, concretamente las del mes pasado.

The report is about sales, to be exact, last month's sales.

The '-mente' ending

This word is formed by taking the feminine form of the adjective 'concreta' and adding '-mente'. It works just like adding '-ly' to words in English.

Where to put it

You usually place this word right before the specific detail you want to highlight, or at the very end of a question when asking for more detail.

Confusion with 'actually'

Mistake: “Using 'concretamente' to mean 'actually' (in reality).”

Correction: Use 'en realidad' for 'actually'. Use 'concretamente' only when you are picking out a specific example from a group.

específicamente

adverbB1general
Choose this when you need to clarify a point or ask for precise details about something.

Examples

Necesito saber específicamente qué día empieza el curso.

I need to know specifically which day the course starts.

particularmente

/par-ti-koo-lar-men-te//paɾtikulaɾˈmente/

adverbB1general
Use this when you want to highlight or emphasize a specific item or aspect within a larger group, often implying a personal preference or detailed focus.
Five red apples are lined up in a row on a green surface. The apple in the center is glowing brightly with golden light, highlighting it among the others.

Examples

Me gusta la comida italiana, particularmente la pasta.

I like Italian food, particularly pasta.

Este proyecto fue difícil para todos, pero particularmente para María.

This project was difficult for everyone, but especially for Maria.

Necesitamos enfocarnos en el último capítulo, particularmente en los ejercicios de gramática.

We need to focus on the last chapter, specifically on the grammar exercises.

Adverb Placement

Like many adverbs ending in '-mente,' 'particularmente' usually goes either right before the adjective it modifies ('particularmente interesante') or after the verb it modifies ('Me afectó particularmente').

Overuse of 'Muy'

Mistake: “Usar 'muy particularmente' (Very particularly).”

Correction: Since 'particularmente' already emphasizes something, using 'muy' (very) before it is usually unnecessary and sounds awkward. Just use 'particularmente'.

expresamente

/ex-pre-sa-MEN-te//ekspresaˈmente/

adverbB1general
Employ this when the action is done with a clear intention or purpose, often implying a special trip or effort made for that specific reason.
A king pointing firmly to a specific spot on a scroll to show a clear and formal command.

Examples

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'.

Concretamente vs. Específicamente

Learners often confuse 'concretamente' and 'específicamente'. Use 'concretamente' to give a specific example of something general, like 'pizza' from 'Italian food'. Use 'específicamente' when you need a precise detail, like the exact 'day' a course starts.

Related Translations

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