Вот именно.

exactly

Questions & Answers about Вот именно.

What does Вот именно. mean literally?

Literally:

• вот = here, there, or a pointing particle like this/that right there
• именно = exactly, precisely

But together Вот именно. is a set expression. It usually means:

• Exactly.
• Precisely.
• That’s exactly it.
• That’s the point.

So the literal meanings help, but the whole phrase is more important than the individual words.

Is Вот именно. the same as just saying yes?

No. It is usually stronger than a simple да.

• да = yes
• вот именно = exactly, that is exactly what I mean

So if someone says the key point, and you want to confirm that they got it exactly right, Вот именно. is a very natural response.

When do Russians usually say Вот именно.?