The adverb "literalmente" is used in the Spanish language to denote something that is meant in its most basic or strict sense, without metaphor or exaggeration. It often emphasizes the exactness of a statement. The word is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, particularly in informal conversations, media discourse, and literature. It can convey a sense of surprise or emphasis on the truth of a statement.
"Literalmente" is quite frequently used in everyday Spanish, especially in colloquial contexts when someone wants to clarify that they are speaking in a strict or exact sense.
Literalmente, no puedo creer que esto esté sucediendo.
Literally, I can't believe this is happening.
Ella dijo que tenía hambre y, literalmente, devoró su comida.
She said she was hungry and, literally, devoured her food.
El libro era tan interesante que, literalmente, no pude ponerlo abajo.
The book was so interesting that I literally couldn't put it down.
The word "literalmente" is integral to several idiomatic expressions in Spanish, often appearing in phrases where it emphasizes the literal meaning contrasted with hyperbole.
No le puedo decir "no" porque, literalmente, me lo suplica.
I can't say "no" to him because he is literally begging me.
El verano pasado fue tan caluroso que, literalmente, derretí.
Last summer was so hot that I literally melted.
Cuando llegué al evento, estaba, literalmente, lleno de gente.
When I arrived at the event, it was literally full of people.
Me sentía, literalmente, en las nubes después de recibir la noticia.
I felt, literally, on cloud nine after receiving the news.
El río está, literalmente, en mi patio trasero después de la tormenta.
The river is literally in my backyard after the storm.
El chiste fue tan malo que, literalmente, no me hizo reír.
The joke was so bad that it literally didn't make me laugh.
"Literalmente" derives from the Latin word "literaliter," which also carries the meaning of "according to the letter." The evolution of the term encompasses its use in various languages, including Spanish, to denote an exact or strict adherence to the meaning of words.