justo
/ˈxusto/
The phrase justo in Spanish.
When used as an adverb to mean 'exactly' or 'precisely' (e.g., 'just now' or 'exactly at that time'), the form remains justo regardless of the gender of the noun it relates to.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective meaning 'fair' or 'just', the form must agree in gender with the noun it modifies. For example, you would use the feminine form justa.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈxusto/
Did you know?
- The word justo can be used to describe a piece of clothing that is 'tight' or 'too small', such as este zapato me queda justo.
- The word justo shares a common ancestor with the English word 'youth', both tracing back to the Proto-Indo-European root *h₂yew-.
- In colloquial Spanish, justo is often used as a filler to express a coincidence, similar to saying 'what a coincidence' or 'perfect timing' in English.
Examples in context
- Los restos mortales de la actriz española Sara Montiel descansan ya en el Cementerio de San Justo de Madrid junto a su madre y su hermana tras un emotivo funeral en el que familiares, amigos y admiradores le han dado el último adiós a la actriz.Spanish actress Sara Montiel's mortal remains now rest in Madrid's San Justo Graveyard beside her mother and sister, after a touching funeral in which relatives, friends and admirers gave her a last farewell.This sentence shows the use of justo in the name of a specific location, San Justo de Madrid.Tatoeba #2383046 by diegohn, translation #2383047 by diegohn
- Nos encontramos justamente en ese café.We happened to meet at just that café.
- La tienda que buscas está justo ahí.The store you're looking for is right there.
- Llegué justo a tiempo para la reunión.I arrived just in time for the meeting.
- Eso es justo lo que quería decir.That is exactly what I wanted to say.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are meeting at a cafe.
- JavierHola Sofía, ¿llegas tarde?Hi Sofía, are you arriving late?
- SofíaNo, llego justo a la hora.No, I'm arriving right on time.
- JavierQué bueno, yo acabo de sentarme.That's great, I just sat down.
- SofíaPerfecto, voy a pedir un café.Perfect, I'm going to order a coffee.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry justo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries justo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
