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How to Say "exact" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “exact” is “exacto” — use 'exacto' when referring to something that is precise, correct, and without error, like a time, number, or measurement..

English → Spanish

exacto

/ek-SAHK-toh//eɡˈsa(k)to/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'exacto' when referring to something that is precise, correct, and without error, like a time, number, or measurement.
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'.

perfecto

/per-FEK-toh//peɾˈfekto/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'perfecto' when something is ideal, flawless, or exactly what is needed for a situation, implying a high degree of precision or suitability.
A single, highly symmetrical, flawless, shiny red apple resting on a clean, light surface.

Examples

Este es el lugar perfecto para unas vacaciones.

This is the perfect place for a vacation.

Tu pronunciación no es perfecta, pero se entiende muy bien.

Your pronunciation isn't perfect, but it's very easy to understand.

La película tiene un final perfecto.

The movie has a perfect ending.

Making it Match

Like most Spanish describing words, 'perfecto' changes to match the person or thing it describes. Use 'perfecto' for masculine things, 'perfecta' for feminine things, 'perfectos' for masculine plural, and 'perfectas' for feminine plural. (e.g., un día perfecto, una noche perfecta).

Describing a Thing vs. an Action

Mistake: “El equipo jugó perfecto.”

Correction: El equipo jugó perfectamente. (The team played perfectly.) Use 'perfecto' to describe the team (a thing), but 'perfectamente' to describe *how* they played (an action).

preciso

preh-SEE-soh/pɾeˈθiso/

adjectiveA2general
Choose 'preciso' when you need highly accurate or detailed information, often implying specificity and clarity.
A close-up view of a hand using a ruler to measure the length of a small, colorful block with extreme accuracy, demonstrating exactness.

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).

específico

adjectiveA2general
Use 'específico' to indicate something that is particular, detailed, or clearly defined, often in contrast to something general.

Examples

Necesito una respuesta específica antes de mañana.

I need a specific answer before tomorrow.

justo

/HOOS-toh//ˈxusto/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'justo' when referring to an exact amount or number, often implying fairness or equity in distribution.
A perfectly balanced antique scale of justice, with two identical, simple weights resting evenly on the pans, symbolizing fairness and equality.

Examples

El profesor es muy justo con todos los estudiantes.

The teacher is very fair with all the students.

Necesito la cantidad justa de azúcar para la receta.

I need the exact amount of sugar for the recipe.

Estos pantalones me quedan un poco justos.

These pants are a bit tight on me.

Making it Match: Gender and Number

When 'justo' is used to describe something (as an adjective), it needs to match the thing it's describing. It changes its ending: justo (for masculine things), justa (for feminine things), justos (for masculine plural), and justas (for feminine plural).

Using 'justo' for 'only'

Mistake: “Quiero justo un café.”

Correction: Quiero solo un café. (I only want one coffee.) Use 'solo' or 'solamente' when you mean 'only' or 'just' in the sense of quantity.

Exacto vs. Preciso vs. Específico

Learners often confuse 'exacto,' 'preciso,' and 'específico.' Use 'exacto' for correctness (exact time), 'preciso' for detailed accuracy (precise information), and 'específico' for particularity (specific answer). While 'perfecto' can imply exactness, it focuses more on ideal suitability.

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