justement

Justement is a French adverb meaning exactly, precisely, or fittingly. It is used to emphasize that something corresponds precisely to a situation, to indicate that something happens at the right moment, or to reiterate agreement with a previous statement. In conversation, justement can also introduce a corrective or reinforcing remark, conveying a sense of “as would be expected” or “as I was saying.”

Etymology and form: Justement is formed from the adjective juste (just, fair, correct) together with the adverbial suffix -ment. The word has long been part of standard French and is common in both spoken and written language.

Usage notes: Justement commonly accompanies verbs or clauses to sharpen a point. Examples include: Justement, c’est ce que je pensais. Justement, il est arrivé à l’heure. Justement, j’allais te téléphoner. In various contexts, it can translate as indeed, precisely, or exactly, depending on tone and surrounding text. In formal writing, other expressions such as exactement or précisément may be preferred for clarity, while justement remains a flexible and frequently used option in everyday speech.

Translations and nuance: The most typical English equivalents are exactly or precisely, but the adverb can also carry nuances such as “as a matter of fact,” “just at that moment,” or “as would befit the situation,” depending on context. It often conveys a sense of timely or appropriate alignment with what is being discussed.

See also: exactement, précisément, à juste titre.