clavado
/klaˈbado/
The English phrase "dead on" can be translated into Spanish as clavado.
This expression is used to describe something that is exactly accurate or precise.
Which one should you use?
Depending on the context and desired level of formality, you might choose different terms. For an informal way to say something is "spot on" or "on the nail", use clavado/a. If you want to say something is "right on target" or "just right", use the phrase justo en el blanco. In more formal settings, you can use the adjective acertado/a to mean "accurate" or "on target" or use the adverb exactamente to mean "exactly" for emphasis.
How do you pronounce it?
/klaˈbado/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you are 'clavado' in a social context, it doesn't mean you are accurate, but rather that you are extremely intense or obsessed with a specific topic.
- If you use clavado to describe a person's movements, such as a swimmer, it might mean they are 'diving' into the water rather than being 'accurate'.
- The phrase justo en el blanco uses the word blanco, which serves as both the word for 'white' and the word for a 'target' in shooting.
Examples in context
- La respuesta del estudiante fue correcta al cien por cienThe student's answer was dead on
- Las coordenadas que proporcionaste son exactamente las indicadasThe coordinates you provided are dead on
- El análisis del científico fue acertadoThe scientist's analysis was dead on
- La elección de palabras fue justo en el blancoThe choice of words was spot on
- Tu diagnóstico fue clavado.Your diagnosis was dead on.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are discussing a guess about a price.
- MateoCreo que cuesta exactamente veinte euros.I think it costs exactly twenty euros.
- María¡Sí, el precio es clavado!Yes, the price is dead on!
- MateoTengo muy buen instinto para esto.I have a very good instinct for this.
- MaríaTienes razón, Mateo.You are right, Mateo.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry clavado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
