Exactly!
'Esatto' — e-ZAT-to. Stress on the second syllable. Double 't' is held briefly. Short, punchy word.
Use to enthusiastically confirm something someone has said perfectly. One of the most versatile Italian agreement words — works in any context.
'Esatto' means 'exact' or 'precisely'. Used as a standalone exclamation, it signals complete, enthusiastic agreement that the person has got it exactly right. It's more energetic than a simple 'sì'.
Proprio così!
Exactly right! / That's exactly it!
'Proprio così' (just like that) — emphatic agreement, slightly more elaborate than 'esatto'
Hai colpito nel segno.
You've hit the mark.
Idiomatic — 'colpire nel segno' (to hit the mark) = to say exactly the right thing
Hai detto una cosa giustissima.
You've said something completely right.
Compliments not just the agreement but the quality of what was said
'Esatto!' is one of the most satisfying Italian words to hear when you've understood something correctly. Italian teachers and colleagues use it generously to confirm understanding — it functions as both agreement and positive reinforcement.