Meaning
To follow instructions or interpret something exactly as stated.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'al pie de la letra' is often used in the context of 'oposiciones' (competitive exams for civil service). Candidates must memorize laws 'al pie de la letra' to pass. In Mexican culinary culture, while many cook 'al tanteo' (by feel), baking is strictly 'al pie de la letra' because of the altitude changes in places like Mexico City. Argentines might use 'a rajatabla' more frequently in informal speech to sound more emphatic, but 'al pie de la letra' remains the standard for formal accuracy. In Colombia, the phrase is common in legal and formal education, emphasizing the 'respeto por la palabra' (respect for the word).
Use it to show respect
When a native speaker gives you advice, saying 'Lo seguiré al pie de la letra' is a great way to show you value their opinion.
Don't pluralize
Never say 'a los pies de las letras'. It is always singular.
Meaning
To follow instructions or interpret something exactly as stated.
Use it to show respect
When a native speaker gives you advice, saying 'Lo seguiré al pie de la letra' is a great way to show you value their opinion.
Don't pluralize
Never say 'a los pies de las letras'. It is always singular.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la forma correcta del modismo.
Para que el experimento funcione, debes seguir los pasos ___ ___ ___ ___ ___.
The standard form is 'al pie de la letra'.
¿Cuál es el significado de 'al pie de la letra'?
Si alguien te dice: 'Cuéntame el chisme al pie de la letra', ¿qué quiere?
The idiom means to repeat or follow something with total accuracy.
Relaciona la situación con el uso del modismo.
Un sargento le da órdenes a un soldado.
Military contexts require strict obedience, which is a perfect use for this phrase.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesPara que el experimento funcione, debes seguir los pasos ___ ___ ___ ___ ___.
The standard form is 'al pie de la letra'.
Si alguien te dice: 'Cuéntame el chisme al pie de la letra', ¿qué quiere?
The idiom means to repeat or follow something with total accuracy.
Un sargento le da órdenes a un soldado.
Military contexts require strict obedience, which is a perfect use for this phrase.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, but only when referring to following or repeating something. For general emphasis (e.g., 'I'm literally dying of laughter'), use 'literalmente'.
It is neutral. You can use it with your friends or in a business email.
Related Phrases
A rajatabla
similarStrictly and without exception.
Palabra por palabra
synonymWord for word.
A grandes rasgos
contrastIn broad strokes / roughly.
