Inklingo

How to Say "correct" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “correct” is “correcto” — use 'correcto' when referring to something that is factually accurate, right, or meets a standard of correctness, like an answer or a statement.

English → Spanish

correcto

ko-rreh-ktohkoˈrekto

adjectiveA1general
Use 'correcto' when referring to something that is factually accurate, right, or meets a standard of correctness, like an answer or a statement.
A bright green check mark on a plain white background.

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.

exacto

ek-SAHK-toheɡˈsa(k)to

adjectiveA1general
Use 'exacto' when you mean precise, without any deviation from the truth or a specific measure, often used for time, numbers, or measurements.
A square wooden block fitting precisely and seamlessly into a matching square cut-out on a wooden base, illustrating exactness.

Examples

¿Cuál es la hora exacta?

What is the exact time?

Necesito el número exacto de personas que vienen.

I need the precise number of people coming.

La descripción que diste es exacta, no hay errores.

The description you gave is accurate (exact), there are no mistakes.

Variable Ending

As an adjective, 'exacto' must change its ending to match the noun it describes. Use '-a' for feminine words (la hora exacta) and add an '-s' for plurals (los resultados exactos).

Not matching gender

Mistake: “El respuesta exacto.”

Correction: La respuesta exacta. Remember that 'respuesta' is a feminine word, so the adjective must end in '-a'.

acertado

ah-sehr-tah-dohaserˈtaðo

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'acertado' to describe a decision, opinion, or comment that is wise, sound, or well-judged.
A hiker choosing to walk down a bright, sunny path instead of a dark, thorny one.

Examples

Fue una decisión muy acertada cambiar de trabajo.

It was a very wise decision to change jobs.

Tu comentario sobre el problema fue muy acertado.

Your comment about the problem was spot on.

No siempre es fácil dar con la respuesta acertada.

It is not always easy to find the correct answer.

Matching with Nouns

Remember to change the ending to 'acertada' if the thing you are describing is feminine (like 'la decisión') or 'acertados/as' if there are multiple things.

Word Order

This word almost always comes after the noun it describes, such as 'un comentario acertado'.

Using 'Correcto' vs 'Acertado'

Mistake: “Using 'correcto' to describe a wise life choice.”

Correction: While 'correcto' means 'correct' (like 2+2=4), 'acertado' implies that the choice was smart or showed good judgment.

ciertas

SYEHR-tasˈsjeɾtas

adjectiveB1general
Use 'ciertas' (feminine plural form of 'cierto') when referring to things that are true, certain, or reliable, often in the context of proof or information.
A close-up view of two brightly colored, complex puzzle pieces interlocking perfectly without any gaps, symbolizing accuracy and truth.

Examples

Necesitamos pruebas ciertas antes de hacer una acusación.

We need true/sure proof before making an accusation.

Las noticias ciertas sobre el evento se publicarán mañana.

The true/accurate news about the event will be published tomorrow.

Placement is Key (After Noun)

When 'ciertas' comes after the noun (like 'respuestas ciertas'), it means 'true' or 'correct.' This meaning confirms the accuracy of the noun.

Misplaced Adjective

Mistake: “Saying 'amigas ciertas' when you mean 'some friends' (which should be 'ciertas amigas').”

Correction: Remember the rule: Before the noun = 'some/unspecified'; After the noun = 'true/accurate'.

Correcto vs. Acertado

Learners often confuse 'correcto' and 'acertado'. Remember that 'correcto' focuses on factual accuracy (like a correct answer), while 'acertado' implies wisdom or good judgment in a decision or observation.

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