Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| por buen camino | /poɾ bwen kamino/ (from spelling rules) |
| según lo planeado | /seɡun lo planeado/ (from spelling rules) |
These phrases are used to describe proceeding as planned or staying on target. Use por buen camino to emphasize that progress is being made in a positive or correct direction, while según lo planeado is used when emphasizing that a project or task is strictly following a pre-established schedule or set of instructions.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase por buen camino literally translates to 'by way of a good path'.
Which one should you use?
Por buen camino is used when focusing on the quality of progress or moving in a good direction. In contrast, según lo planeado focuses on the adherence to a specific plan or timeline.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to say someone or something is on the wrong track or heading toward trouble, you can use the antonym por mal camino instead of por buen camino. You may also use Permanecer en el rumbo to mean 'Stay on course'.
Did you know?
- While camino means 'path' or 'way', it is not directly from Latin but from Gaulish, a Celtic language spoken in ancient France.
- In Spanish, the concept of being 'on track' can be expressed through the word rumbo, which refers to the compass heading of a ship.
- The phrase por buen camino is often used in Spanish to describe someone's moral growth or rehabilitation, rather than just the progress of a project.
Examples in context
- Es fundamental mantenerse en el buen camino para alcanzar nuestras metas profesionales.It is essential to stay on track to reach our professional goals.
- Como empresa, necesitamos seguir la línea correcta para lograr el éxito sostenible.As a company, we need to stay on track to achieve sustainable success.
- A pesar de los obstáculos, estoy seguro de que estamos en el camino correcto para cumplir nuestros sueños.Despite the obstacles, I'm confident we're on track to fulfill our dreams.
- Vas por buen caminoYou're on the right track
- Continúa así de bienKeep going like that
- El proyecto va por buen camino.The project is on track.
- Todo en la construcción va por buen camino.Everything in the construction is on track.
- Estamos por buen camino para terminar a tiempo.We are on track to finish on time.
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are discussing the progress of their business presentation.
- Javier¿Cómo va la preparación de la presentación?How is the preparation for the presentation going?
- LucíaTodo va por buen camino, Javier.Everything is on track, Javier.
- Javier¿Crees que terminaremos hoy?Do you think we will finish today?
- LucíaSí, estamos muy cerca.Yes, we are very close.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “on track” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries buen, camino, lo, por, según, CC BY-SA 4.0.
