precisar
“precisar” means “to need” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to need
Also: to require
📝 In Action
Preciso un poco más de información para terminar el informe.
B1I need a little more information to finish the report.
Las plantas precisan agua y luz solar para crecer.
A2Plants require water and sunlight to grow.
Este proyecto precisa de una gran inversión inicial.
B2This project requires a large initial investment.
to specify
Also: to pinpoint, to state precisely
📝 In Action
¿Podrías precisar la fecha del evento?
B1Could you specify the date of the event?
El informe no precisa las causas del accidente.
B2The report does not pinpoint the causes of the accident.
Es difícil precisar el momento exacto en que ocurrió.
C1It is difficult to state precisely the exact moment it happened.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: precisar
Question 1 of 3
If a boss says 'Preciso el informe mañana,' what does it mean?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'praecisus', which literally meant 'to cut off in front,' leading to the idea of something being cut down to its exact, essential form without any extra bits.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'precisar' better than 'necesitar'?
Neither is better, but 'precisar' is more formal. In a business meeting or a newspaper, 'precisar' sounds very professional. In your kitchen, 'necesitar' sounds more natural.
When should I use 'de' with 'precisar'?
You can use 'de' when 'precisar' means 'to need' (e.g., 'Preciso de tu tiempo'). It's optional and just makes you sound extra formal. Don't use 'de' when you mean 'to specify' (e.g., 'Precisa el precio').
Does 'precisar' always mean 'to need'?
No, it can also mean to specify, pinpoint, or clarify details. You have to look at the sentence to see if someone is asking for something (need) or defining something (specify).