en punto
/em ˈpunto/
The English phrase "on the dot" is translated into Spanish as en punto or exactamente.
Meaning: exactly (prep_phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| en punto | /em ˈpunto/ |
| exactamente | /eɡˌsaɡtaˈmente/ |
en punto is a phrase used specifically when referring to precise times on a clock. In contrast, exactamente is a general adverb used for quantities, descriptions or degree.
Which one should you use?
While 'en punto' is used for time, 'exactamente' is a general adverb used for quantities, descriptions or degree.
How do you pronounce it?
/em ˈpunto/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, arriving en punto for a social party can actually be considered too early or even rude.
- The word punto shares a common ancestor with the English word 'puncture', as both derive from the Latin verb 'pungō', which means 'to prick' or 'to pierce'.
- While en punto describes a precise time, the word punto is also used to describe a full stop or a period at the end of a sentence in Spanish grammar.
Examples in context
- La reunión empieza a las siete en puntoThe meeting starts at seven on the dot
- La entrega debe ser a las nueve, exactamenteThe delivery must be at nine, exactly
- El vuelo sale a la hora precisaThe flight departs on the dot
- Llegaré a las seis en puntoI'll arrive at six on the dot
- El tren sale a las tres en punto.The train leaves at three on the dot.
- Llegaré a tu casa exactamente a las seis.I'll arrive at your house exactly at six.
- La cita es a las nueve en punto, ni un minuto después.The appointment is at nine on the dot, not a minute later.
- A las ocho en punto.At eight o'clock on the dot.
- La clase empieza a las ocho en punto.The class starts at eight on the dot.
- Llegamos a la estación a las diez en punto.We arrived at the station at ten on the dot.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are meeting at a cafe.
- María¿A qué hora nos vemos?What time are we meeting?
- AlejandroA las cinco en punto.At five on the dot.
- MaríaPerfecto, no llegaré tarde.Perfect, I won't be late.
- AlejandroTe espero allí, María.I will wait for you there, María.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “on the dot” translations and entries en punto, exactamente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, exactamente, punto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
