Translation guide
The English word 'precisely' is used to emphasize exactness, agreement, or to ask for clarification. In Japanese, the translation depends heavily on the function: confirming information, agreeing strongly, specifying details, or describing something as exact.
Use when you want to strongly agree with what someone just said, or confirm that something is exactly correct.
The most common and natural way to say 'That's exactly right' or 'Precisely' in agreement. Polite form.
A: この問題は難しいですね。B: その通りです。
A: This problem is difficult, isn't it? B: Precisely.
Used to emphasize that something is exactly as stated. Can be used alone or in a sentence. Slightly more emphatic than その通り.
まさにその通りです。
That's precisely it.
A more formal or literary version of まさに. Often used in writing or formal speech.
まさしくそれが問題だ。
That is precisely the problem.
Use when you want to pinpoint a specific time, place, manner, or quantity, emphasizing that it is exact and not approximate.
Means 'exactly' or 'just' when referring to time, amount, or position. Very common in daily conversation.
今ちょうど12時です。
It's precisely 12 o'clock now.
ちょうど1000円あります。
I have precisely 1000 yen.
Often used for exact fit, exact match, or exactly right amount. Can also be used for time but more commonly for physical fit or suitability.
Adverbial form meaning 'accurately' or 'precisely'. Used when emphasizing correctness or exactness in measurement, description, or action.
正確に測ってください。
Please measure it precisely.
Used for exact numbers or time, similar to ちょうど but more emphatic about the exactness of a round number or point in time.
Use when you want someone to be more exact or specific about what they said.
A natural way to ask 'What do you mean precisely?' or 'Can you be more specific?'. Literally: 'Speaking concretely?'
A: もっといい方法がある。B: 具体的に言うと？
A: There's a better way. B: What precisely do you mean?
Asks for the precise or accurate version. 'To be precise?' or 'Exactly?'
正確にはどういう意味ですか？
What precisely does that mean?
Use when describing a tool, measurement, or action that is exact and accurate.
Na-adjective meaning 'precise' or 'high-precision', often used for instruments, machinery, or detailed work.
これは精密な機械です。
This is a precise machine.
Na-adjective meaning 'accurate' or 'precise', used for information, measurements, or actions.
正確なデータが必要だ。
We need precise data.
Means 'rigorous' or 'strictly precise', often used in academic or technical contexts.
厳密な定義を与える。
Give a precise definition.
All can translate 'precisely', but usage differs. ちょうど is for exact points in time or quantity (just right). ぴったり is for perfect fit or match. 正確に is for accuracy in measurement or description.
今ちょうど12時だ。
It's precisely 12 o'clock.
この靴はぴったりだ。
These shoes fit precisely.
正確に説明してください。
Please explain precisely.
When agreeing with someone, 正確に is not natural. Use その通りです or まさに instead. 正確に is for factual accuracy, not conversational agreement.
この服はぴったりだ。
These clothes fit precisely.
答えをぴったり当てた。
He guessed the answer precisely.
きっかり3時に着いた。
I arrived at precisely 3 o'clock.