Absolutamente
/absolutamente/from spelling rules
The Spanish word for absolutely is Absolutamente.
Absolutamente is used to mean yes or certainly. It is frequently used as an adverb to modify an adjective, such as saying something is absolutely true or absolutely beautiful.
Meaning: yes, certainly (intj)
Which one should you use?
While Absolutamente can mean yes or certainly, it often functions more like an adverb modifying an adjective rather than a standalone enthusiastic response in a conversation. In those conversational contexts, the phrase claro que sí is a more natural way to say of course or certainly.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain parts of Latin America, Absolutamente is often replaced with the phrase claro que sí.
How do you pronounce it?
/absolutamente/
Did you know?
- To express 'absolutely not', Spanish speakers rarely use absolutamente no and instead prefer para nada or en absoluto.
- The Latin root solvō, which contributed to absolutamente, originally meant 'to loosen' or 'to untie', suggesting that something absolute is 'loosed' from all restrictions.
- In some Spanish dialects, saying absolutamente as a standalone 'yes' can sound like a translation from English (an anglicism) rather than a native expression.
Examples in context
- No sé absolutamente nada.I know absolutely nothing.This sentence is useful for showing how to use Absolutamente to express knowing nothing.Tatoeba #10598529 by Eremon, translation #2579582 by CM
- Esto es absolutamente cierto.This is absolutely correct.This sentence is useful for showing how to use Absolutamente to describe something as certain.Tatoeba #10911324 by Eremon, translation #5540541 by Hybrid
- Mary es absolutamente hermosa.Mary is absolutely beautiful.This sentence is useful for showing how to use Absolutamente to describe someone's beauty.Tatoeba #10911323 by Eremon, translation #5245391 by CK
- ¡Claro! Me encantaría.Of course! I would love to.
- 75 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are discussing whether they should go to the party.
- Lucía¿Crees que deberíamos ir a la fiesta?Do you think we should go to the party?
- Alejandro¡Absolutamente!Absolutely!
- Lucía¡Qué bueno que estés de acuerdo conmigo!I'm glad you agree with me!
- AlejandroSerá una noche muy divertida.It will be a very fun night.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
