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A2 adverb #1,200 most common 11 min read

exatamente

Top 1,200

At the A1 level, you should focus on using exatamente in its simplest forms. Think of it as a one-word answer to show you understand and agree with someone. If a teacher asks, "Is the answer five?" and it is, you can say "Exatamente!" It's also very useful for basic numbers and time. At this stage, don't worry about complex sentence structures. Just use it to add a bit of precision to your basic sentences, like "São exatamente duas horas" (It's exactly two o'clock). This helps you move beyond very simple 'yes' or 'no' answers and makes your Portuguese sound a bit more natural. You will mostly encounter this word in classroom settings or very basic daily interactions where clear, factual information is being exchanged. Remember that the word is long, so take your time pronouncing each syllable: e-xa-ta-men-te. The stress is on the 'men' part. Practicing this word will also help you get used to the '-mente' suffix, which you will see in many other adverbs as you continue your studies. It is a 'building block' word that gives you more confidence in confirming facts and figures.

At the A2 level, you can start incorporating exatamente into more complete sentences. You should be able to use it to give more precise directions or descriptions. For example, "A loja fica exatamente em frente ao banco" (The store is exactly in front of the bank). You are also ready to use it in the common construction "Não é exatamente..." to express a nuanced disagreement. Instead of just saying "No," you can say "Não é exatamente isso" (It's not exactly that). This shows a higher level of social awareness and language control. You should also be comfortable using it with common interrogatives like "Onde exatamente?" (Where exactly?) to ask for more detail. At this level, you are moving from just recognizing the word to actively using it to clarify information in your daily life, such as when shopping, traveling, or talking about your routine. You will notice that exatamente often appears near the end of a sentence or right before a specific piece of information you want to highlight. Pay attention to how native speakers use it to emphasize certain parts of their speech.

By the B1 level, you should be using exatamente to express more complex thoughts and opinions. You can use it to link ideas, such as "Eu concordo exatamente com o que você disse" (I agree exactly with what you said). You are now capable of using it in the middle of longer sentences to provide clarity. For instance, "Eu não sei exatamente quando vou terminar o trabalho, mas será em breve" (I don't know exactly when I will finish the work, but it will be soon). At this stage, you should also start distinguishing between exatamente and its synonyms like justamente or precisamente, even if you still use exatamente most of the time. You will hear this word frequently in media, like podcasts or news reports, and you should be able to understand the specific nuance it adds to the information being presented. It's no longer just about numbers and time; it's about the precision of your own thoughts and how you convey them to others. You can also use it to correct yourself: "Quero dizer, não exatamente um carro, mas uma caminhonete" (I mean, not exactly a car, but a pickup truck).

At the B2 level, exatamente becomes a tool for sophisticated argumentation and detailed description. You should be able to use it to pinpoint specific aspects of a problem or a theory. For example, "O problema reside exatamente na falta de comunicação entre os departamentos" (The problem lies exactly in the lack of communication between departments). You can use it to add emphasis in a way that sounds natural and persuasive. You should also be comfortable with its use in more formal writing, such as essays or reports, where precision is paramount. At this level, you should have a good grasp of the rhythmic role the word plays in a sentence, using it to create a specific flow or to draw the listener's attention to a key point. You will also be able to understand more subtle uses of the word, such as when it's used ironically or to soften a harsh truth. Your vocabulary should be broad enough that you can choose between exatamente, precisamente, and rigorosamente depending on the context and the level of formality required. You are now using the word not just for accuracy, but for stylistic effect.

At the C1 level, your use of exatamente should be indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. You understand all its idiomatic uses and can use it to convey very subtle shades of meaning. You might use it in complex literary analysis or high-level professional negotiations. For instance, "A obra de Saramago captura exatamente a fragilidade da condição humana" (Saramago's work captures exactly the fragility of the human condition). You are also aware of regional variations in its use and pronunciation. You can use exatamente to structure long, complex sentences, ensuring that the precision it provides guides the listener through your logic. At this stage, you might also explore the word's etymology and its relationship to other Romance languages to deepen your understanding of its place in the Portuguese language. You are capable of using it in a variety of registers, from the most informal slang-filled conversation to the most formal academic lecture, always choosing the right placement and intonation to achieve your communicative goals. The word is now a natural part of your linguistic repertoire, used effortlessly and accurately.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of exatamente and its role in the Portuguese language. You can use it to create specific rhetorical effects, such as using it for dramatic emphasis or to create a sense of absolute finality in a statement. You are aware of the historical evolution of the word and how its usage has changed over time in different Lusophone countries. You can discuss the philosophical implications of 'exactness' using this word as a starting point. Your use of the word is not just about communication, but about the art of language itself. You can appreciate and use the word in its most abstract and metaphorical senses, such as "Ele é exatamente o tipo de pessoa que o país precisa agora" (He is exactly the kind of person the country needs now), where 'exactly' refers to a complex set of qualities rather than a measurable fact. You can also play with the word's placement to create poetic or rhythmic effects in your writing and speech. At this level, exatamente is more than just an adverb; it is a testament to your deep and comprehensive understanding of the Portuguese language and culture.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

exatamente in 30 Seconds

Exatamente means 'exactly' or 'precisely' in Portuguese.
It is used for numbers, time, and strong agreement.
It is an adverb formed from the adjective 'exato' + '-mente'.
It is a high-frequency word used in both formal and informal contexts.

The Portuguese word exatamente is a versatile and essential adverb that translates directly to "exactly" or "precisely" in English. At its core, it is used to denote total accuracy, lack of deviation, and absolute certainty. Whether you are discussing mathematical figures, specific moments in time, or confirming a complex philosophical point, exatamente serves as the linguistic anchor for precision. It is formed by taking the feminine adjective exata and adding the suffix -mente, which is the standard Portuguese equivalent of the English suffix "-ly". This morphological structure is a hallmark of Portuguese adverbs of manner.

Precision in Measurement: Used when describing quantities, distances, or weights that are not approximations. For example, 'Pesa exatamente um quilo' (It weighs exactly one kilo).

Temporal Accuracy: Essential for appointments and schedules. 'O trem parte exatamente às nove' (The train leaves exactly at nine).

Eu não sei exatamente onde deixei as minhas chaves, mas acho que estão na cozinha.

Beyond literal measurements, exatamente is a powerful conversational tool. In a dialogue, when someone makes a point that you agree with entirely, simply saying "Exatamente!" functions as a strong affirmation, similar to saying "Precisely!" or "That is exactly right!" in English. It validates the speaker's perspective and signals that your thoughts are perfectly aligned with theirs. This usage is extremely common in both formal debates and casual coffee-shop chats across the Lusophone world.

Você está dizendo que precisamos de mais tempo? Exatamente!

In academic and scientific contexts, the word is indispensable. It removes ambiguity, which is the enemy of the scientific method. When a researcher describes a reaction occurring at exatamente 100 degrees Celsius, they are setting a rigorous standard. Similarly, in legal contexts, exatamente is used to define the specific parameters of a law or the precise details of a testimony. It is a word that demands attention because it narrows the scope of possibility to a single, verifiable point.

Emphasis and Nuance: Sometimes used to emphasize a specific choice or reason. 'Foi exatamente por isso que eu não fui à festa' (It was exactly for that reason that I didn't go to the party).

Este livro é exatamente o que eu estava procurando para a minha pesquisa.

O eclipse começará exatamente às vinte horas e trinta minutos.

Não é exatamente um segredo, mas poucas pessoas sabem a verdade.

Using exatamente correctly involves understanding its placement relative to the words it modifies. As an adverb, it typically follows the verb it describes, or precedes the adjective, adverb, or noun phrase it is emphasizing. Because it is a long, five-syllable word, its placement often dictates the rhythm and stress of the entire sentence. In Portuguese, adverbs ending in -mente are often placed at the end of a clause for maximum impact, or immediately after the main verb for clarity.

Modifying Verbs: When you want to describe how an action is performed. 'Ele descreveu exatamente o que viu' (He described exactly what he saw).

Modifying Numbers and Time: Place it before the quantity. 'Havia exatamente cinquenta pessoas na sala' (There were exactly fifty people in the room).

Você precisa cortar a madeira exatamente nesta marca para que as peças se encaixem.

In negative sentences, exatamente is often used to provide a polite correction or to indicate that something is "not quite" as described. The phrase "Não é exatamente..." is a staple of Portuguese social interaction. It allows the speaker to disagree without being confrontational. For instance, if someone asks if a movie was bad, you might say, "Não foi exatamente ruim, mas foi um pouco longo" (It wasn't exactly bad, but it was a bit long). This usage adds a layer of sophistication to your speech, showing that you can handle nuance.

O que você quer dizer com isso, exatamente?

Another important structural use is in the construction "exatamente o/a que". This is used to point to a specific thing or idea. "É exatamente o que eu pensei" (It is exactly what I thought). Here, exatamente reinforces the pronoun o (that/what). This pattern is incredibly frequent in daily conversation and is a great one for learners to memorize. It helps in expressing identity between two ideas or objects. We also see it used with interrogative pronouns: "Exatamente quem?", "Exatamente onde?", "Exatamente quando?". This adds a level of demand for detail to the question.

Emphasis on Identity: Using it with 'o mesmo' or 'a mesma'. 'Eles têm exatamente a mesma idade' (They are exactly the same age).

A cor da parede é exatamente igual à do catálogo.

Eu cheguei exatamente no momento em que a festa acabou.

Ninguém sabe exatamente como o problema começou.

If you spend a day in a Portuguese-speaking city, you will likely hear exatamente dozens of times. It is one of those high-frequency words that bridges the gap between formal and informal registers. In the workplace, it is the language of efficiency. Managers use it to set deadlines ("Preciso disso exatamente às cinco"), and technicians use it to describe malfunctions ("O erro ocorre exatamente quando clicamos aqui"). It conveys a sense of competence and attention to detail that is highly valued in professional settings.

In the News: Journalists use it to report specific data. 'O PIB cresceu exatamente dois por cento este ano' (The GDP grew exactly two percent this year).

O avião pousou exatamente no horário previsto pela companhia aérea.

In the domestic sphere, exatamente appears in recipes and DIY instructions. Portuguese and Brazilian cuisines often rely on "olhômetro" (measuring by eye), but when a recipe is delicate—like a soufflé or a specific Portuguese sweet—the instructions will insist on exatamente three eggs or exatamente 200 grams of sugar. Hearing a grandmother explain a traditional recipe is a masterclass in the use of this word to preserve cultural heritage through precision.

Para esta receita, você deve usar exatamente duas xícaras de farinha de trigo.

You will also hear it in the arts. In music, particularly in the complex rhythms of Bossa Nova or Fado, musicians might discuss the "tempo" and how a note must fall exatamente on the beat. In literature, authors use the word to create vivid, sharp imagery. A character might be described as having exatamente the same eyes as their father, or a scene might take place exatamente at the moment the sun dips below the horizon. It is a word that helps the reader or listener see the world with high-definition clarity.

In Sports: Commentators use it for photo finishes or VAR decisions. 'A bola cruzou exatamente a linha do gol' (The ball crossed exactly the goal line).

O corredor quebrou o recorde mundial por exatamente um centésimo de segundo.

Eu me lembro exatamente do que ela estava vestindo naquele dia.

Isso é exatamente o que eu temia que acontecesse com o projeto.

For English speakers learning Portuguese, the word exatamente is a "friendly" word because it looks and sounds like its English counterpart. However, this can lead to a few subtle traps. The most frequent mistake is not grammatical, but phonetic. English speakers often struggle with the nasal 'en' sound in the middle of the word. They might say "exata-men-tee" with a very hard 'n', whereas the Portuguese 'n' in this position serves more to nasalize the preceding vowel 'e'. Practicing this nasalization is key to sounding like a native.

The 'Just' Confusion: English uses 'exactly' and 'just' interchangeably in some contexts (e.g., 'It's exactly/just what I need'). In Portuguese, 'justo' usually means 'fair' or 'tight', not 'exactly'. Stick to 'exatamente' or 'justamente'.

Incorreto: É justo o que eu queria. (Unless you mean 'fair'). Correto: É exatamente o que eu queria.

Another common error is the placement of the word in relation to the negative particle não. In English, we say "not exactly," and in Portuguese, it is "não exatamente." However, learners sometimes try to place exatamente before the não, which sounds unnatural. Also, be careful with the word exato. While exatamente is the adverb, exato is the adjective. You cannot say "O resultado foi exatamente" (The result was exactly); you must say "O resultado foi exato" (The result was exact) or "O resultado foi exatamente o que esperávamos" (The result was exactly what we expected).

Não é exatamente fácil aprender todas as conjugações verbais.

Finally, learners often over-rely on exatamente and forget its synonyms. While it is never "wrong" to use it, using precisamente or justamente can make your Portuguese sound more varied and sophisticated. For example, justamente is often better when you want to emphasize a specific reason or a coincidence. "Eu estava justamente pensando em você!" (I was just thinking about you!) sounds more natural than using exatamente in that specific context. Learning these subtle distinctions is what separates an intermediate learner from an advanced speaker.

Overuse of 'Exatamente': Avoid using it in every sentence of agreement. Try 'Com certeza', 'De fato', or 'Sem dúvida' to sound more like a native.

Eles chegaram exatamente na mesma hora, o que foi uma grande coincidência.

O valor da conta foi exatamente o que havíamos calculado anteriormente.

Eu não entendo exatamente por que ele tomou essa decisão tão repentina.

To truly master Portuguese, you must understand the constellation of words that orbit around exatamente. While they all share a core meaning of precision, their registers and specific use cases vary. This section will help you choose the right tool for the right linguistic job. Expanding your vocabulary in this area will allow you to express yourself with greater clarity and style.

Precisamente: This is the most direct synonym. It is slightly more formal and is frequently used in scientific, technical, or literary contexts. 'O experimento deve ser conduzido precisamente desta forma.'

Justamente: Often used to highlight a specific reason or a 'just-in-time' moment. It carries a sense of 'precisely because' or 'at this very moment'. 'Foi justamente isso que eu tentei explicar.'

Embora exatamente seja comum, 'precisamente' soa mais elegante em discursos formais.

Another important alternative is the word mesmo. While mesmo primarily means "same," it is often used for emphasis in ways that translate to "exactly" or "very." For example, "Agora mesmo" means "Right now" or "Exactly now." Similarly, "Aqui mesmo" means "Right here" or "Exactly here." This is a very common, idiomatic way to express precision in everyday speech, especially in Brazil. It feels more grounded and less "dictionary-like" than exatamente.

Você acertou na mosca! Esse é o problema principal.

For time-related precision, pontualmente is a specific and useful word. While you can say "Chegue exatamente às oito," saying "Chegue pontualmente às oito" emphasizes the act of being on time. It is the difference between "exactly at eight" and "punctually at eight." In professional and social settings where punctuality is expected (more so in Portugal than in some parts of Brazil), pontualmente is a key word to know. Finally, for copying or following instructions, fielmente (faithfully) can sometimes replace exatamente to add a layer of loyalty or strict adherence to an original.

Rigorosamente: Used when precision is a matter of strict rules or rigor. 'As normas devem ser seguidas rigorosamente.'

O plano foi executado rigorosamente como planejado pela equipe.

Eu quero justamente evitar esse tipo de confusão no futuro.

A resposta dele foi precisamente o que o público queria ouvir.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The suffix '-mente' comes from the Latin word 'mens/mentis', meaning 'mind'. So, 'exatamente' literally means 'with an exact mind'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /e.za.ta.ˈmẽ.tɨ/

US /e.za.ta.ˈmẽ.tʃi/

The primary stress is on the penultimate syllable: 'men'.

Rhymes With

infelizmente claramente rapidamente gentilmente fortemente realmente totalmente novamente

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'x' as 'ks' (like in 'taxi'). In 'exatamente', it is always a 'z' sound.
Failing to nasalize the 'en' syllable.
Stressing the wrong syllable, such as the 'ta' or the 'e'.
Pronouncing the final 'e' too strongly in European Portuguese.
Treating the 'a's as English 'uh' sounds instead of clear Portuguese 'a's.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize for English speakers due to its similarity to 'exactly'.

Writing 2/5

Easy to spell, but remember the 'x' and the '-mente' suffix.

Speaking 3/5

The nasal 'en' and the length of the word require some practice for fluency.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to catch in conversation.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

exato mente não que onde

Learn Next

precisamente justamente realmente infelizmente

Advanced

rigorosamente meticulosamente escrupulosamente

Grammar to Know

Adverb Formation with -mente

Exato (adj) -> Exata (fem adj) -> Exatamente (adv)

Adverb Placement

Usually follows the verb: 'Ele explicou exatamente...'

Invariability of Adverbs

It never changes to 'exatamentes' or 'exatamenta'.

Nasalization of 'en'

The 'en' in 'mente' is a nasal vowel, not a hard 'n'.

Negation with Adverbs

'Não' comes before 'exatamente' to mean 'not exactly'.

Examples by Level

Exatamente!

Exactly!

Used as a stand-alone exclamation of agreement.

São exatamente duas horas.

It is exactly two o'clock.

Modifying a time expression.

Eu tenho exatamente dez euros.

I have exactly ten euros.

Modifying a number/quantity.

É exatamente aqui.

It is exactly here.

Modifying an adverb of place.

Onde exatamente?

Where exactly?

Used in a short question for clarification.

É exatamente o que eu quero.

It is exactly what I want.

Using the 'exatamente o que' construction.

Ela chegou exatamente agora.

She arrived exactly now.

Modifying an adverb of time.

Não é exatamente isso.

It is not exactly that.

Negative construction for nuance.

O banco fica exatamente ao lado do correio.

The bank is exactly next to the post office.

Describing precise location.

Eu não sei exatamente onde ele mora.

I don't know exactly where he lives.

Used with 'não sei' to express uncertainty.

O filme começa exatamente às oito e meia.

The movie starts exactly at eight-thirty.

Precise time for an event.

Este é exatamente o livro que eu perdi.

This is exactly the book that I lost.

Identifying a specific object.

Você pode me dizer exatamente o que aconteceu?

Can you tell me exactly what happened?

Asking for a detailed account.

Eles têm exatamente a mesma idade.

They are exactly the same age.

Comparing identity/equality.

A temperatura está exatamente em trinta graus.

The temperature is exactly at thirty degrees.

Precise measurement.

Vire à direita exatamente na próxima esquina.

Turn right exactly at the next corner.

Precise instruction for movement.

Eu não entendi exatamente o que você quis dizer.

I didn't understand exactly what you meant.

Clarifying understanding of an abstract idea.

O sucesso depende exatamente do seu esforço pessoal.

Success depends exactly on your personal effort.

Pinpointing a cause or condition.

Isso é exatamente o que eu estava tentando evitar.

That is exactly what I was trying to avoid.

Expressing a specific outcome.

Não sei exatamente como consertar este computador.

I don't know exactly how to fix this computer.

Expressing lack of specific technical knowledge.

A cor da camisa é exatamente como na foto.

The color of the shirt is exactly like in the photo.

Comparing reality with a representation.

Precisamos saber exatamente quanto vai custar a viagem.

We need to know exactly how much the trip will cost.

Asking for precise financial data.

Ele explicou exatamente por que não pôde vir.

He explained exactly why he couldn't come.

Providing a specific reason.

O restaurante é exatamente como você descreveu.

The restaurant is exactly as you described.

Confirming a description.

O problema é exatamente a falta de investimento em educação.

The problem is exactly the lack of investment in education.

Identifying a core issue in a debate.

Eu me lembro exatamente do momento em que recebi a notícia.

I remember exactly the moment I received the news.

Emphasizing the clarity of a memory.

Não é exatamente uma surpresa que eles tenham vencido.

It's not exactly a surprise that they won.

Using litotes for rhetorical effect.

O autor descreve exatamente a atmosfera daquela época.

The author describes exactly the atmosphere of that time.

Commending literary precision.

Precisamos definir exatamente quais são os nossos objetivos.

We need to define exactly what our goals are.

Strategic planning context.

A peça de reposição deve ter exatamente estas dimensões.

The spare part must have exactly these dimensions.

Technical requirement.

Foi exatamente por isso que decidi mudar de carreira.

It was exactly for that reason that I decided to change careers.

Emphasizing a life-changing motivation.

Ninguém sabe exatamente o que se passa na cabeça dele.

Nobody knows exactly what goes on in his head.

Discussing psychological ambiguity.

A teoria não explica exatamente todos os fenômenos observados.

The theory does not explain exactly all the observed phenomena.

Scientific critique of a model's precision.

O discurso captou exatamente o sentimento de indignação do povo.

The speech captured exactly the feeling of indignation of the people.

Analyzing the impact of rhetoric.

É difícil precisar exatamente quando a transição começou.

It is difficult to specify exactly when the transition began.

Discussing historical or processual ambiguity.

O contrato especifica exatamente as responsabilidades de cada parte.

The contract specifies exactly the responsibilities of each party.

Legal precision.

A tradução não reflete exatamente o tom irônico do original.

The translation does not reflect exactly the ironic tone of the original.

Translation theory and nuance.

O crime ocorreu exatamente sob as câmeras de vigilância.

The crime occurred exactly under the surveillance cameras.

Forensic or investigative detail.

Ela sabe exatamente como manipular a situação a seu favor.

She knows exactly how to manipulate the situation in her favor.

Describing social or psychological skill.

O projeto falhou exatamente onde todos previram que falharia.

The project failed exactly where everyone predicted it would fail.

Analyzing a predicted outcome.

A fenomenologia busca descrever exatamente a experiência vivida.

Phenomenology seeks to describe exactly the lived experience.

Philosophical definition.

O poema articula exatamente aquilo que é indizível por outros meios.

The poem articulates exactly that which is unspeakable by other means.

Aesthetic and literary analysis.

A justiça não consiste exatamente em tratar a todos de forma igual.

Justice does not consist exactly in treating everyone equally.

Philosophical nuance regarding equality vs. equity.

O autor joga com a ideia de que nada é exatamente o que parece.

The author plays with the idea that nothing is exactly what it seems.

Thematic analysis of a literary work.

A precisão matemática não se aplica exatamente às relações humanas.

Mathematical precision does not apply exactly to human relations.

Metaphorical contrast between fields of study.

O golpe foi executado com uma precisão que beira o exatamente.

The coup was executed with a precision that borders on the exact.

Using the concept of the word as a noun-like target.

Não podemos saber exatamente o que o futuro nos reserva.

We cannot know exactly what the future holds for us.

Existential reflection.

A política é a arte de saber exatamente quando ceder.

Politics is the art of knowing exactly when to give in.

Aphoristic use of the word.

Common Collocations

exatamente isso

exatamente agora

exatamente igual

saber exatamente

não exatamente

exatamente onde

exatamente como

exatamente quanto

exatamente quando

exatamente quem

Common Phrases

Exatamente!

É exatamente o que eu ia dizer.

Não sei exatamente.

Exatamente por isso.

Exatamente na hora.

Diga-me exatamente.

É exatamente o contrário.

Exatamente no meio.

Exatamente a mesma coisa.

Não é exatamente assim.

Often Confused With

exatamente vs exato

'Exato' is an adjective (modifies nouns), 'exatamente' is an adverb (modifies verbs/adjectives).

exatamente vs justamente

'Justamente' can mean 'fairly' or 'exactly', while 'exatamente' only means 'exactly'.

exatamente vs certamente

'Certamente' means 'certainly', which is about probability, not precision.

Idioms & Expressions

"Na mosca"

To hit the target exactly or to be perfectly right about something.

Sua resposta foi na mosca!

informal

"Em cima da bucha"

To do something exactly at the right moment or immediately.

Ele respondeu em cima da bucha.

informal

"Ponto por ponto"

To explain something exactly and in great detail.

Ela explicou o plano ponto por ponto.

neutral

"Ao pé da letra"

To follow something exactly as written or said (literally).

Não leve tudo o que ele diz ao pé da letra.

neutral

"Tintim por tintim"

To tell a story or explain something with every single exact detail.

Conte-me tudo o que aconteceu, tintim por tintim.

informal

"Preto no branco"

To have something exactly documented or clearly stated.

Eu quero tudo preto no branco no contrato.

neutral

"Pôr os pingos nos is"

To clarify something exactly so there is no more doubt.

Precisamos conversar para pôr os pingos nos is.

neutral

"Na ponta do lápis"

To calculate something exactly and carefully.

Temos que colocar todos os gastos na ponta do lápis.

informal

"Sem tirar nem pôr"

Exactly as it is, without adding or removing anything.

A cópia ficou igual à original, sem tirar nem pôr.

neutral

"Tal e qual"

Exactly like something or someone else.

Ele é tal e qual o pai quando era jovem.

neutral

Easily Confused

exatamente vs Justo

English 'just' can mean 'exactly'.

'Justo' in Portuguese means 'fair' or 'tight'. Use 'exatamente' for 'exactly'.

O preço é justo (The price is fair). É exatamente o que eu queria (It's exactly what I wanted).

exatamente vs Próprio

Used to mean 'the very one'.

'Próprio' emphasizes identity of a person/thing, 'exatamente' emphasizes the precision of a fact.

Ele é o próprio dono (He is the owner himself). Ele chegou exatamente agora (He arrived exactly now).

exatamente vs Mesmo

Both can mean 'exactly' in some contexts.

'Mesmo' is more versatile and informal for emphasis.

Aqui mesmo (Right here). Exatamente aqui (Exactly here).

exatamente vs Apenas

Learners confuse 'exactly' with 'only'.

'Apenas' means 'only/just'. 'Exatamente' means 'precisely'.

Tenho apenas um real (I only have one real). Tenho exatamente um real (I have exactly one real - no more, no less).

exatamente vs Certo

Both relate to being correct.

'Certo' means 'right/correct' (adj). 'Exatamente' means 'precisely' (adv).

Você está certo (You are right). Você respondeu exatamente (You answered exactly [correctly]).

Sentence Patterns

São exatamente [número] horas.

São exatamente três horas.

É exatamente [aqui/ali].

É exatamente aqui.

Não é exatamente [adjetivo].

Não é exatamente fácil.

Exatamente o que [sujeito] [verbo].

Exatamente o que eu queria.

Eu não sei exatamente [interrogativo].

Eu não sei exatamente como fazer.

[Verbo] exatamente como [comparação].

Ele canta exatamente como o pai.

O problema é exatamente [substantivo].

O problema é exatamente a falta de tempo.

Foi exatamente por isso que [consequência].

Foi exatamente por isso que eu saí.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in all forms of communication.

Common Mistakes

Using 'justo' for 'exactly'. → exatamente
'Justo' means fair or tight. 'Exatamente' is the correct word for precision.
Pronouncing 'x' as 'ks'. → Pronounce as 'z'.
The 'x' in 'exatamente' is always voiced like a 'z'.
Changing the gender of the adverb. → exatamente (always)
Adverbs do not have gender in Portuguese. Never say 'exatamenta'.
Using 'exatamente' to mean 'only'. → apenas / só
'Exatamente' refers to precision, not limitation of quantity in the sense of 'only'.
Missing the nasalization in 'mente'. → Nasal 'en'.
The 'n' is not fully pronounced; it nasalizes the vowel.

Tips

The Nasal Sound

Focus on the 'en' in 'mente'. It shouldn't sound like the English 'men', but more like a nasalized 'e'. Try to let the air come out of your nose.

Adverb Invariability

Never change the ending of 'exatamente'. Whether you are talking about one thing or many, or a man or a woman, it always stays the same.

Agreement

Use 'Exatamente!' to sound more like a native in conversations. It shows you are engaged and agree with the speaker's point.

Cognate Power

Remember that 'exatamente' is a cognate of 'exactly'. This makes it one of the easiest long words to remember in Portuguese.

Placement

In writing, placing 'exatamente' after the verb usually sounds the most natural. 'Ele descreveu exatamente o plano.'

Catch the 'Z'

The 'x' in 'exatamente' sounds like a 'z'. If you hear a 'ks' sound, it's likely a different word or a mispronunciation.

Regional Variations

Be aware of the final 'e'. In Lisbon, it might almost disappear, while in Rio, it will sound like 'chee'.

Softening Disagreement

Use 'Não é exatamente...' to be polite when you want to correct someone without being too blunt.

Informal Alternatives

Learn 'na mosca' to use instead of 'exatamente' when you want to sound more casual and idiomatic.

Daily Challenge

Try to spot 'exatamente' in a Portuguese news article or video today. Notice the context in which it is used.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an 'EX-A-TA' (like an 'exact-a') scale that 'MENTE' (mentions) the weight perfectly. It 'mentions' the 'exact' weight.

Visual Association

Imagine a laser beam hitting the center of a target. The laser represents the 'exatamente' precision.

Word Web

Precisão Cálculo Relógio Verdade Acordo Número Detalhe Fato

Challenge

Try to use 'exatamente' in three different ways today: once for time, once for agreement, and once for a specific location.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'exactus', which is the past participle of the verb 'exigere'. The verb 'exigere' means 'to drive out', 'to measure', or 'to finish'.

Original meaning: The original Latin meaning referred to something that had been thoroughly measured or completed to a high standard.

Romance (Indo-European)

Cultural Context

The word is neutral and has no negative or sensitive connotations.

English speakers might find it easier than other adverbs because of the cognate 'exactly'. However, they should avoid using 'just' as a translation in all cases.

Used frequently in Portuguese translations of Sherlock Holmes to convey his precision. A common word in the lyrics of Bossa Nova songs to describe specific feelings. Found in the scientific writings of Portuguese polymaths like Garcia de Orta.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Giving Directions

Vire exatamente aqui.
É exatamente em frente.
Siga exatamente este caminho.
Pare exatamente no sinal.

Agreeing in Conversation

Exatamente!
É exatamente o que eu penso.
Você tem exatamente razão.
Eu ia dizer exatamente isso.

Discussing Time

São exatamente dez horas.
Chegue exatamente no horário.
Aconteceu exatamente às nove.
Dura exatamente uma hora.

Scientific/Technical Work

Meça exatamente dois litros.
O erro está exatamente aqui.
Ajuste exatamente o parafuso.
Pesa exatamente um grama.

Shopping and Prices

Custa exatamente cinquenta reais.
Eu tenho exatamente o troco.
É exatamente este modelo?
Não é exatamente o que eu vi.

Conversation Starters

"Você sabe exatamente que horas o ônibus passa aqui?"

"É exatamente este o restaurante que você recomendou?"

"Você pode me explicar exatamente como funciona este aplicativo?"

"O que você quis dizer com isso, exatamente?"

"Você se lembra exatamente de onde nós nos conhecemos?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva um momento da sua vida que foi exatamente como você imaginou.

O que você gostaria de estar fazendo exatamente agora, se pudesse escolher?

Escreva sobre um lugar que você conhece exatamente como a palma da sua mão.

Pense em um conselho que foi exatamente o que você precisava ouvir.

Descreva um objeto que é exatamente igual a outro que você já teve.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Only if 'just' means 'exactly'. If 'just' means 'only' or 'fairly', you should use 'apenas' or 'justamente' instead. For example, 'I just arrived' is 'Acabei de chegar', not 'Cheguei exatamente'.

It is neutral. You can use it with your friends, your boss, or in a scientific paper. It is a very safe and useful word in any situation.

The stress is on the 'men' syllable. All Portuguese adverbs ending in '-mente' have the primary stress on this syllable. Practice: e-xa-ta-MEN-te.

Yes! It means 'more exactly' or 'more precisely'. It is often used to provide a more detailed correction to a previous statement.

The meaning and spelling are the same, but the pronunciation of the final 'e' differs. Brazilians usually say 'chee', while Portuguese people say a very closed 'e'.

No, it is an adverb. To describe a person as 'exact' or 'precise', use the adjective 'exato' or 'meticuloso'. For example, 'Ele é um homem exato'.

They are almost identical. 'Precisamente' is slightly more formal and is often preferred in technical or academic writing, but they are interchangeable in 99% of cases.

You say 'não exatamente'. It is a very common phrase used to soften a disagreement or to provide a more nuanced answer.

Yes, absolutely! It is a very common way to show strong agreement with what someone else has just said. It's like saying 'Exactly!' or 'Precisely!'

No, but in very informal speech, people might just say 'Exato!' as an interjection instead of the full adverb.