preciso
/preh-SEE-soh/
precise
Preciso means precise, like when taking an exact measurement or detail.
preciso(adjective)
precise
?exact measurement or detail
,exact
?accurate information
accurate
?correct or without error
📝 In Action
Necesito la hora precisa de tu llegada.
A2I need the precise time of your arrival.
El carpintero hizo un corte muy preciso.
B1The carpenter made a very precise cut.
Su descripción del evento fue precisa y detallada.
B2His description of the event was accurate and detailed.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Agreement
Like most Spanish adjectives, 'preciso' must match the noun it describes in gender (preciso/precisa) and number (precisos/precisas).
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Ser
Use the verb 'ser' (to be) when describing something that is inherently precise or accurate: 'La respuesta es precisa' (The answer is accurate).
Preciso also means necessary or essential.
preciso(adjective)
necessary
?required or essential
,essential
?absolutely needed
required
?mandatory
📝 In Action
Es preciso actuar con rapidez para evitar el problema.
B2It is necessary to act quickly to avoid the problem.
Si precisa más información, llámeme.
C1If you require more information, call me. (Formal use, derived from the verb 'precisar' but functioning as a formal adjective/expression)
💡 Grammar Points
Triggering the Special Verb Form
When used impersonally ('Es preciso que...'), the verb that follows must use the special subjunctive form, meaning the verb changes its ending to express necessity or desire: 'Es preciso que vengas' (It is necessary that you come).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Necessity
'Preciso' in this sense is often more formal than 'necesario.' Use it when writing reports, official notices, or giving serious advice.
When used as a verb form (preciso), the word means 'I need' or 'I require something'.
preciso(verb)
I need
?I require something
,I specify
?I state clearly
I require
?formal need
📝 In Action
Preciso un poco de tiempo para terminar el proyecto.
B1I need a little time to finish the project.
Si preciso ayuda, te llamaré.
B2If I require help, I will call you.
No preciso repetir mi argumento, es claro.
B2I don't need to repeat my argument; it is clear.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal 'Need'
The verb 'precisar' often sounds more formal or professional than 'necesitar,' although both mean 'to need.' You will hear 'precisar' more often in business or official settings.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing the Verb and Adjective
Mistake: "Using 'Yo soy preciso' when you mean 'I need something.'"
Correction: Use 'Yo preciso' (I need) or 'Yo soy preciso' (I am precise/accurate). They look the same but are different concepts.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: preciso
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'preciso' in its meaning of 'I need'?
📚 More Resources
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.'