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preciso

preh-SEE-sohpɾeˈθiso

precise, exact

Also: accurate
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, essential

Also: 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 specify

Also: 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

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

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

imperfect

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

preterite

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

subjunctive

present

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

imperfect

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

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✏️ 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.'