Inklingo
Dictionary

preciso

preh-SEE-sohpɾeˈθiso

“preciso” means “precise” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:

preciseA2Adjective

exact measurement or detail

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necessaryB2Adjective

required or essential

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I needB1Verb

I require something

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precise, exactAlso: accurate

AdjectivemA2
A close-up view of a hand using a ruler to measure the length of a small, colorful block with extreme accuracy, demonstrating exactness.

📝 In Action

Necesito la hora precisa de tu llegada.

A2

I need the precise time of your arrival.

El carpintero hizo un corte muy preciso.

B1

The carpenter made a very precise cut.

Su descripción del evento fue precisa y detallada.

B2

His description of the event was accurate and detailed.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • impreciso (imprecise)
  • vago (vague)

Common Collocations

  • medida precisa – precise measurement
  • momento preciso – exact moment

necessary, essentialAlso: required

AdjectivemB2formal
A single, essential, brightly colored red umbrella standing upright in the rain, symbolizing a necessary item for the weather.

📝 In Action

Es preciso actuar con rapidez para evitar el problema.

B2

It is necessary to act quickly to avoid the problem.

Si precisa más información, llámeme.

C1

If you require more information, call me. (Formal use, derived from the verb 'precisar' but functioning as a formal adjective/expression)

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • es preciso que... – it is necessary that...

I need, I specifyAlso: I require

VerbB1regular ar
A small, friendly cartoon fox standing on its hind legs, pointing determinedly towards a glass of water, clearly indicating a requirement or need.
infinitiveprecisar
gerundprecisando
past Participleprecisado

📝 In Action

Preciso un poco de tiempo para terminar el proyecto.

B1

I need a little time to finish the project.

Si preciso ayuda, te llamaré.

B2

If I require help, I will call you.

No preciso repetir mi argumento, es claro.

B2

I don't need to repeat my argument; it is clear.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • precisar detalles – to specify details

Indicative

Present

yopreciso
túprecisas
él/ella/ustedprecisa
nosotrosprecisamos
vosotrosprecisáis
ellos/ellas/ustedesprecisan

Imperfect

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

Preterite

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

Subjunctive

Present Subjunctive

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

Imperfect Subjunctive

yoprecisara
túprecisaras
él/ella/ustedprecisara
nosotrosprecisáramos
vosotrosprecisarais
ellos/ellas/ustedesprecisaran
View All Tenses & Moods →

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "preciso" in Spanish:

accurateessentialexacti needi requirei specifynecessaryprecise

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: preciso

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'preciso' in its meaning of 'I need'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
precisar(to need, to specify) — Verb
precisión(precision, accuracy) — Noun
impreciso(imprecise) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes
sumisopermiso
📚 Etymology

Comes from the Latin word *praecisus*, which is the past participle of *praecīdere*, meaning 'to cut off' or 'to shorten.' This root gave the word its meaning of being exact, like something cut to the perfect length.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: preciseFrench: précis

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is 'preciso' (adjective) different from 'exacto'?

They are very close synonyms! 'Exacto' usually emphasizes correctness and truth, while 'preciso' often emphasizes detail, measurement, or lack of ambiguity. You can often use them interchangeably.

Can I use 'preciso' instead of 'necesito' (I need)?

Yes, you can! 'Preciso' (from the verb 'precisar') means 'I need' or 'I require.' It is a perfectly valid alternative, though it tends to sound a little more formal or professional than 'necesito.'