efectivamente
/efeɡˌtibaˈmente/
The phrase "it is indeed" is translated into Spanish as efectivamente.
efectivamente is used to confirm that a fact is true or to express agreement with a statement previously made.
Which one should you use?
While efectivamente confirms that a specific fact is true (it is indeed the case), ciertamente is more often used to express certainty or emphasis (certainly/surely).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, así es is a popular expression to affirm or agree with a statement. In Argentina, people often use efectivamente to express agreement.
How do you pronounce it?
/efeɡˌtibaˈmente/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, the word efectivo used to build this phrase can also mean 'cash' when referring to money.
- The suffix -mente used in efectivamente is derived from the Latin word mēns, meaning 'mind'.
- While efectivamente sounds very formal and precise, in many Latin American countries, it is used in casual conversation simply to say 'yes' or 'that is right'.
Examples in context
- La economía está en crecimiento. De hecho, estamos experimentando el mayor crecimiento en años.The economy is growing. Indeed, we are experiencing the highest growth in years.
- Todos los documentos han sido enviados. En efecto, hemos completado la preparación del proyecto.All the documents have been sent. Indeed, we have completed the project preparation.
- ¿Vas a la fiesta esta noche? ¡Claro que sí!Are you going to the party tonight? Of course!
- Este restaurante tiene la mejor comida de la ciudad, sin duda.This restaurant has the best food in town, without a doubt.
- La decisión fue tomada, efectivamente.The decision was made, indeed.
- Vimos la película esa noche, en verdad está muy buena.We watched the movie that night. It is indeed very good.
- ¿Es este el libro que estabas buscando? Sí, así es.Is this the book you were looking for? Yes, indeed.
- ¿Es verdad que el examen fue cancelado? Efectivamente.Is it true that the exam was cancelled? Indeed.
- Efectivamente, el examen era muy difícil.Indeed, the exam was very difficult.
- Es un lugar muy bonito, efectivamente.It is a very beautiful place, indeed.
- Efectivamente, ella tiene razón.Indeed, she is right.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are discussing the weather during a walk.
- Lucía¿Hace mucho calor hoy, no?It's very hot today, isn't it?
- AlejandroEfectivamente, parece que va a ser un día caluroso.Indeed, it looks like it's going to be a hot day.
- LucíaNecesitamos beber mucha agua.We need to drink a lot of water.
- AlejandroTienes mucha razón, Lucía.You are very right, Lucía.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry efectivamente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries efectivamente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
