Inklingo

How to Say "precise" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “precise” is “exacto” — use 'exacto' when referring to something that is precisely correct, like a time, a number, or a detail that leaves no room for doubt.

English → Spanish

exacto

ek-SAHK-toheɡˈsa(k)to

adjectiveA1general
Use 'exacto' when referring to something that is precisely correct, like a time, a number, or a detail that leaves no room for doubt.
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'.

preciso

preh-SEE-sohpɾeˈθiso

adjectiveA2general
Choose 'preciso' when you need to emphasize an exact measurement, a specific detail, or a very accurate description.
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).

ajustado

ah-hoo-STAH-dohaxusˈtado

adjectiveB1general
Use 'ajustado' when talking about something that is tightly controlled or limited, often referring to budgets, schedules, or measurements that fit closely.
A small pile of gold coins being carefully counted and squeezed into a tiny wooden box that is almost full.

Examples

Tenemos un presupuesto muy ajustado para este viaje.

We have a very tight budget for this trip.

El horario del tren es muy ajustado, no podemos llegar tarde.

The train schedule is very tight; we can't be late.

El resultado de las elecciones fue muy ajustado.

The election result was very close.

Using 'a'

When you want to say something is 'adjusted to' or 'conforms to' something else, use the preposition 'a'. For example: 'ajustado a la realidad' (adjusted to reality).

Ajustado vs. Corto

Mistake: “Tengo un tiempo corto.”

Correction: Tengo el tiempo ajustado. In Spanish, we use 'ajustado' to describe a schedule with no room for error.

suizo

swee-sohˈswiθo

adjectiveA1figurative
Employ 'suizo' metaphorically to describe something characterized by extreme precision and reliability, akin to a Swiss watch.
A classic metal cowbell with a red and white strap featuring a white cross, representing Swiss origin.

Examples

El chocolate suizo es famoso en todo el mundo.

Swiss chocolate is famous all over the world.

Me compré un reloj suizo muy elegante.

I bought a very elegant Swiss watch.

Los Alpes suizos son impresionantes en invierno.

The Swiss Alps are impressive in winter.

Don't Capitalize

Unlike English, words for nationalities like 'suizo' are not capitalized in Spanish unless they start a sentence.

Placement

Always put 'suizo' after the noun it is describing, just like most adjectives in Spanish.

Capitalization Error

Mistake: “Vivo en un pueblo Suizo.”

Correction: Vivo en un pueblo suizo. (Nationalities use lowercase letters in Spanish.)

Exacto vs. Preciso

Learners often confuse 'exacto' and 'preciso'. Remember that 'exacto' usually refers to factual correctness (like the exact time), while 'preciso' often implies a higher degree of detail or accuracy in measurement or description.

Related Translations

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