How to Say "accurate" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “accurate” is “correcto” — use 'correcto' when referring to information, answers, or statements that are factually right or appropriate.
correcto
ko-rreh-ktohkoˈrekto
Examples
Tu respuesta es correcta.
Your answer is correct.
¿Es este el camino correcto al centro?
Is this the right path to downtown?
El uso correcto de las herramientas es fundamental.
The correct use of the tools is fundamental.
Gender Agreement
This word changes to 'correcta' when describing feminine things, like 'una respuesta correcta' or 'una dirección correcta'.
Using with 'Ser'
We usually use this with 'ser' (to be) because a fact being right is seen as an essential characteristic.
Don't use for 'The Right Side'
Mistake: “Gira a la correcta.”
Correction: Gira a la derecha.
preciso
preh-SEE-sohpɾeˈθiso
Examples
Necesito la hora precisa de tu llegada.
I need the precise time of your arrival.
El carpintero hizo un corte muy preciso.
The carpenter made a very precise cut.
Su descripción del evento fue precisa y detallada.
His description of the event was accurate and detailed.
Gender Agreement
Like most Spanish adjectives, 'preciso' must match the noun it describes in gender (preciso/precisa) and number (precisos/precisas).
exacta
ehk-SAHK-tahekˈsakta
Examples
Necesito la medida exacta para el pastel.
I need the exact measurement for the cake.
La hora de llegada fue exacta: las dos en punto.
The arrival time was exact: two o'clock sharp.
Su descripción de la casa era muy exacta.
Her description of the house was very accurate.
Gender Agreement
Since 'exacta' ends in -a, it is the feminine form. You must use it when describing feminine nouns (like 'la hora' or 'la respuesta'). For masculine nouns (like 'el número'), use 'exacto'.
Placement
This adjective usually follows the noun it describes: 'la cantidad exacta' (the exact quantity).
Using the wrong form with feminine nouns
Mistake: “La información exacto.”
Correction: La información exacta. (Information is feminine, so the adjective must be feminine.)
justa
HOOS-tahˈxus.ta
Examples
La decisión del juez fue muy justa.
The judge's decision was very fair.
Ella recibió una recompensa justa por su trabajo.
She received a just reward for her work.
Necesitamos una medida justa para dividir el pastel.
We need an accurate measure to divide the cake.
Gender Agreement
Since 'justa' is an adjective, it must match the noun it describes. Use 'justa' for feminine nouns (like 'decisión') and 'justo' for masculine nouns (like 'precio').
Misplaced Adjective
Mistake: “Una justa decisión.”
Correction: Una decisión justa. ('Justa' usually goes after the noun, especially when expressing judgment or quality.)
fiel
fyélfjel
Examples
Mi perro es el animal más fiel que conozco.
My dog is the most faithful animal I know.
Hicieron una traducción fiel del documento original.
They made an accurate translation of the original document.
Ella fue una socia fiel de la empresa durante veinte años.
She was a loyal partner of the company for twenty years.
Gender Invariability
Unlike many Spanish adjectives, 'fiel' has the same form whether describing a masculine thing ('el amigo fiel') or a feminine thing ('la amiga fiel').
Plural Form
To make 'fiel' plural, simply add '-es': 'fieles'. This applies to both masculine and feminine nouns (e.g., 'amigos fieles', 'copias fieles').
Confusing Fiel and Leal
Mistake: “Using 'leal' when referring to accuracy (e.g., 'una copia leal').”
Correction: Use 'fiel' when talking about accuracy or truthfulness (e.g., 'una copia fiel'). 'Leal' is reserved almost exclusively for loyalty to a person or group.
Preciso vs. Exacto
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