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How to Say "correct" in Spanish

English → Spanish

correcta

co-RREC-ta/koˈrekta/

AdjectiveA1General
Use 'correcta' when referring to something that is factually right or meets a standard, like a right answer or a proper way of doing something.
A final, brightly colored puzzle piece is shown fitting perfectly into its corresponding empty spot in a simple wooden puzzle.

Examples

La respuesta que diste en el examen es completamente correcta.

The answer you gave on the exam is completely correct.

Necesito saber si esta dirección es la correcta antes de enviar la carta.

I need to know if this address is the right one before sending the letter.

No es la hora correcta. Llegamos media hora tarde.

It's not the correct time. We arrived half an hour late.

Gender Agreement

Since 'correcta' ends in -a, it is used only with feminine words (like 'la casa' or 'la idea'). For masculine words, you must use 'correcto' (e.g., 'el libro correcto').

Forgetting the Gender

Mistake: “La respuesta es correcto.”

Correction: La respuesta es correcta. (Since 'respuesta' is feminine, the adjective must also be feminine.)

exacto

/ek-SAHK-toh//eɡˈsa(k)to/

adjectiveA1General
Use 'exacto' to indicate precision or that something is right without any error, often used for time, measurements, or specific details.
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'.

ciertas

SYEHR-tas/ˈsjeɾtas/

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'ciertas' (or 'cierto' in its masculine form) to mean 'true' or 'sure,' often referring to information, beliefs, or facts that are confirmed or certain.
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'.

Choosing Between 'Correcta' and 'Ciertas'

Learners often confuse 'correcta' with 'ciertas.' Remember that 'correcta' implies factual accuracy or adherence to a rule, like a correct answer. 'Ciertas' means 'true' or 'sure,' referring to the certainty or truthfulness of something, like proven facts.

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