Inklingo
Dictionary

precisa

pre-SEE-sahpɾeˈsisa

“precisa” means “precise” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

preciseA2Adjective

describing something exact or accurate

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needsB1Verb

when talking about what someone requires

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precise, necessaryAlso: accurate, exact

AdjectivefA2
A tiny gold key fitting perfectly into a small, intricate lock.

📝 In Action

Necesito una respuesta precisa ahora mismo.

A2

I need a precise answer right now.

Esa herramienta es precisa para el trabajo.

B1

That tool is necessary for the job.

La ubicación de la tienda es muy precisa.

A2

The location of the store is very accurate.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • imprecisa (vague/inaccurate)
  • vaga (vague)

Common Collocations

  • instrucción precisa – precise instruction
  • información precisa – accurate information

needs, specifiesAlso: requires, pinpoints

VerbB1regular ar
A small plant in a pot with a watering can pouring a single drop of water onto it.
gerundprecisando
past Participleprecisado
infinitiveprecisar

📝 In Action

El paciente precisa atención inmediata.

B1

The patient needs immediate attention.

Ella precisa los detalles del contrato.

B2

She specifies the details of the contract.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • precisa de – needs/requires (formal)

Subjunctive

Imperfect Subjunctive

yoprecisara
túprecisaras
él/ella/ustedprecisara
nosotrosprecisáramos
vosotrosprecisarais
ellos/ellas/ustedesprecisaran

Present Subjunctive

yoprecise
túprecises
él/ella/ustedprecise
nosotrosprecisemos
vosotrospreciséis
ellos/ellas/ustedesprecisen

Indicative

Preterite

yoprecisé
túprecisaste
él/ella/ustedprecisó
nosotrosprecisamos
vosotrosprecisasteis
ellos/ellas/ustedesprecisaron

Imperfect

yoprecisaba
túprecisabas
él/ella/ustedprecisaba
nosotrosprecisábamos
vosotrosprecisabais
ellos/ellas/ustedesprecisaban

Present

yopreciso
túprecisas
él/ella/ustedprecisa
nosotrosprecisamos
vosotrosprecisáis
ellos/ellas/ustedesprecisan
View All Tenses & Moods →

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "precisa" in Spanish:

needspinpointsrequiresspecifies

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: precisa

Question 1 of 1

If a doctor says 'El paciente precisa oxígeno,' what does he mean?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
preciso(precise (masculine)) — Adjective
precisión(precision) — Noun
precisamente(precisely) — Adverb
precisar(to specify/need) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes
risabrisacamisa
📚 Etymology

Comes from the Latin word 'praecisus,' which means 'cut off' or 'concise.' Imagine cutting off all the extra bits to leave only what is exactly right.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: preciseFrench: précis

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'precisa' more formal than 'necesita'?

Yes, 'precisar' (to need) is generally considered more formal and is often found in news, literature, or professional reports.

Can I use 'precisa' to describe a man?

No, if you are describing a man or a masculine noun, you must use 'preciso'.