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How to Say "strictly speaking" in Spanish

English → Spanish

estrictamente

/es-treek-tah-MEN-teh//estɾiktaˈmente/

adverbB2formal
Use 'estrictamente' when you want to refer to the most precise and accurate definition of something, often to correct a misconception.
A single, perfect red apple sitting alone on a plain white pedestal.

Examples

Estrictamente hablando, este no es un postre, sino una fruta con yogur.

Strictly speaking, this is not a dessert, but yogurt with fruit.

Estrictamente hablando, él no es el dueño.

Strictly speaking, he is not the owner.

Es un asunto estrictamente profesional.

It is a purely professional matter.

Adding 'hablando'

When you want to say 'strictly speaking', you just add 'hablando' (speaking) after 'estrictamente'.

técnicamente

adverbB1
Opt for 'técnicamente' when emphasizing a precise, often rule-based or technical, distinction, even if it sounds pedantic or contrary to common understanding.

Examples

Técnicamente, el avión ya había despegado cuando llegamos.

Technically, the plane had already taken off when we arrived.

propiamente

/pro-pya-MEN-te//pɾopjaˈmente/

adverbB2
Use 'propiamente' when clarifying the exact or proper definition of something, often to distinguish it from something similar but not identical.
A detailed close-up of a single perfect red rose in a glass vase, highlighting its specific botanical features.

Examples

Esto no es una novela propiamente dicha, sino una colección de cuentos.

This isn't a novel strictly speaking, but rather a collection of short stories.

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.

Choosing Between 'Estrictamente' and 'Técnicamente'

Learners often confuse 'estrictamente' and 'técnicamente'. Remember that 'estrictamente' focuses on the most accurate definition, while 'técnicamente' emphasizes precision based on rules or technicalities, which might differ from the common understanding.

Related Translations

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