Translation guide
The English word "accurate" describes something that is correct, exact, or free from mistakes. In Japanese, the most common and natural way to express this depends on whether you are talking about information, measurements, predictions, or descriptions. The most versatile word is 正確 (せいかく), but other options like 精密 (せいみつ) for precision and 的確 (てきかく) for aptness are also important.
Use this when you want to say that facts, numbers, or statements are right and have no mistakes.
The most common and general word for 'accurate'. It can be used for information, measurements, clocks, translations, etc. It is a な-adjective.
この情報は正確ですか。
Is this information accurate?
彼の報告は正確だった。
His report was accurate.
Means 'correct' or 'right'. It is more about being factually true rather than precise. Often used for answers, moral correctness, or logical truth.
Means 'accurate' in the sense of being apt, to the point, or spot-on. Often used for advice, comments, or judgments that hit the mark.
Use this when emphasizing high precision, fine detail, or exactness in numbers, machines, or scientific contexts.
Means 'precise' or 'accurate' in the sense of high precision. Used for instruments, measurements, and detailed work. It is a な-adjective.
この時計はとても精密だ。
This watch is very accurate/precise.
精密な測定が必要です。
Accurate/precise measurements are necessary.
Also works for measurements and numbers, but 精密 emphasizes a higher degree of precision.
Use this when a description, translation, or portrayal is faithful and true to the original.
Means 'faithful' or 'accurate' in the sense of being true to the original. Often used for translations, reproductions, or descriptions. It is a な-adjective.
この翻訳は原文に忠実だ。
This translation is accurate/faithful to the original.
Also common for accurate descriptions or reports.
Use this when a guess, prediction, or shot is on target.
A noun/suru-verb meaning 'hitting the mark' or 'coming true'. Used for predictions, guesses, or shots that are accurate.
彼の予想が的中した。
His prediction was accurate (came true).
Can also be used for accurate aim or predictions, but 的中 is more vivid for hitting the mark.
正確 (せいかく) is the most general 'accurate' for correctness. 精密 (せいみつ) emphasizes high precision, like in engineering. 的確 (てきかく) means 'apt' or 'spot-on', often for comments or judgments.
The katakana word アキュレート exists but is very rare and technical. Stick to the native Japanese words above.
このデータは正確ではありません。
This data is not accurate.
もっと精密な測定が必要です。
We need a more accurate measurement.
彼の分析は的確だった。
His analysis was accurate.
Your answer is accurate/correct.
彼の指摘は的確だ。
His point is accurate.
正確な数値を教えてください。
Please tell me the accurate figures.
事件の正確な描写。
An accurate depiction of the incident.
正確な射撃。
Accurate shooting.