Spanish vocabulary · Intermediate
How to Say "Accurate" in Spanish: Preciso and Exacto
Preciso · adjective · preh-SEE-soh
Accurate in Spanish is preciso (precise, correct) or exacto (exact). For faithful representations, fiel works (una descripción fiel = an accurate description). For well-aimed actions, certero fits (un tiro certero = an accurate shot).
preh-SEE-soh — three syllables, stress on SEE. Exacto: ehk-SAHK-toh.
La traducción es precisa y respeta el significado original.
The translation is accurate and respects the original meaning.
Accurate in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for accurate, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| preciso | accurate | preh-SEE-soh | Default, widely understood |
| exacto | accurate | Universal (exact, on the mark) | |
| certero | accurate | Universal (spot-on, well-aimed) | |
| fiel | accurate | Universal (faithful/accurate representation) |
How Native Speakers Use Preciso
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Data accuracy
Los datos del informe son precisos y están actualizados.
The report's data is accurate and up to date.
Preciso for factual correctness — the most common context for accurate in professional settings.
Faithful representation
La película ofrece un retrato fiel de la época colonial.
The film offers an accurate portrayal of the colonial era.
Fiel (faithful) is preferred when accuracy means truthful representation of reality.
Precise aim
El arquero hizo un disparo certero que dio en el centro de la diana.
The archer made an accurate shot that hit the bullseye.
Certero for physical accuracy — hitting the target or being spot-on.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Preciso
Using acurado as a false cognate
Incorrect: La información es acurada.
Correct: La información es precisa / exacta.
Acurado does not exist in standard Spanish. It's a false friend invented from English accurate. The correct words are preciso, exacto, or fiel depending on context.
Confusing preciso (accurate) with preciso (necessary)
Incorrect: Es preciso que llegues a tiempo. (meaning accurate)
Correct: Es preciso que llegues a tiempo. (actually means: It's necessary that you arrive on time.)
Preciso has two meanings: accurate/precise (adjective describing quality) and necessary (in the construction es preciso que = it is necessary that). Context determines which meaning applies.
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Why word lists alone don't stick
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See Preciso used by native speakers
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Common Questions About Accurate in Spanish
- How do you say accurate in Spanish?
- Accurate translates as preciso (precise/correct), exacto (exact), fiel (faithful to the original), or certero (spot-on/well-aimed). Choose based on context: data = preciso, representation = fiel, aim = certero.
- What's the difference between preciso and exacto?
- Preciso emphasizes precision and correctness (the right answer with no error). Exacto emphasizes exactness (matching perfectly, down to the detail). In practice, they're often interchangeable for accurate, but exacto feels more emphatic (¡Exacto! = Exactly!).
- How do you say accuracy in Spanish?
- Accuracy is precisión (precision/accuracy), exactitud (exactness), or fidelidad (faithfulness/accuracy of a representation). For scientific contexts, precisión is standard.