definitivamente
/definiˌtibaˈmente/
In Spanish, most definitely is translated as definitivamente.
definitivamente is an emphatic way to say yes or to express strong agreement with a statement. To express the emphatic 'most definitely' found in English, Spanish speakers often use the phrase sin duda alguna instead.
Which one should you use?
While definitivamente can mean 'definitely' in the sense of certainty, in many Spanish-speaking contexts it is more commonly used to mean 'finally' or 'conclusively'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, the phrase Por supuesto que sí is commonly used to express agreement.
How do you pronounce it?
/definiˌtibaˈmente/
When do people say it?
Common alternatives to express agreement include Por supuesto, which is a common phrase equivalent to 'of course'.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish dialects, using definitivamente to mean 'definitely' is considered an anglicism, or a direct influence from English. Purely traditional Spanish usage leans toward using it to mean 'finally' or 'conclusively'.
- The suffix -mente used to create definitivamente comes from the Latin word mente, meaning 'mind'. This suggests that the adverb literally describes how something is done 'with the mind'.
- While 'most definitely' is a strong confirmation in English, shifting the position of definitivamente in a Spanish sentence can change it from a simple 'yes' to describing a permanent state.
Examples in context
- Sin lugar a dudas, el proyecto será un éxito.Without a doubt, the project will be a success.
- Indudablemente, se trata de la mejor opción.Undoubtedly, it is the best option.
- De seguro, encontraremos una solución adecuada.Most definitely, we will find a suitable solution.
- Por supuesto que asistiré a la fiesta.Of course, I will attend the party.
- Claro que sí, podemos ayudarte con eso.Most definitely, we can help you with that.
- ¿Vas a venir a la fiesta? ¡Definitivamente!Are you coming to the party? Definitely!
- Definitivamente, es la mejor opción.Most definitely, it is the best option.
- ¿Vas a ir a la fiesta? ¡Definitivamente!Are you going to the party? Most definitely!
- Ese es definitivamente el problema.That is most definitely the problem.
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding whether to order pizza for dinner.
- María¿Quieres pedir una pizza?Do you want to order a pizza?
- Mateo¡Definitivamente! Tengo mucha hambre.Most definitely! I am very hungry.
- MaríaEntonces, ¿pedimos la de pepperoni?So, should we order the pepperoni one?
- MateoSí, esa es la mejor.Yes, that is the best one.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry definitivamente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries definitivamente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
