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: 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.
A more formal or literary version of まさに. Often used in writing or formal speech.
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.
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?'
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.
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.
It's precisely 12 o'clock.
That's precisely it.
まさしくそれが問題だ。
That is precisely the problem.
It's precisely 12 o'clock now.
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.
These clothes fit precisely.
He guessed the answer precisely.
Adverbial form meaning 'accurately' or 'precisely'. Used when emphasizing correctness or exactness in measurement, description, or action.
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.
I arrived at precisely 3 o'clock.
A: There's a better way. B: What precisely do you mean?
Asks for the precise or accurate version. 'To be precise?' or 'Exactly?'
What precisely does that mean?
This is a precise machine.
Na-adjective meaning 'accurate' or 'precise', used for information, measurements, or actions.
We need precise data.
Means 'rigorous' or 'strictly precise', often used in academic or technical contexts.
Give a precise definition.
These shoes fit precisely.
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.