précis
/pʁe.si/
The English phrase accurate can be said in French as précis or exact.
Meaning: exact or careful conformity to truth (adj)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| précis | /pʁe.si/ |
| exact | /ɛɡ.zakt/ /ɛɡ.za/ |
Both words are used to describe exact or careful conformity to truth.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of précis is précise, and the feminine form of exact is exacte.
How do you pronounce it?
/pʁe.si/
Did you know?
- The word précis comes from the Latin word praecīsus, which literally means 'cut off'.
- While 'précis' means 'accurate' in English, in French, a précis is also a noun meaning a 'summary' or 'abstract' of a text.
- French speakers often use exactement as a standalone conversation filler to agree with someone, similar to how English speakers use 'exactly'.
Examples in context
- Il faut être très précis.It's necessary to be accurate.This sentence shows how to express the necessity of being accurate using précis.Tatoeba #1098376 by nimfeo, translation #9037400 by absvfx
- Ce n'était pas exact, si ?That wasn't accurate, was it?This sentence is a way to ask if something was accurate using exact.Tatoeba #5655416 by Yemana, translation #4014968 by CK
- Ma montre est très précise.My watch is very accurate.This sentence uses précis to describe the accuracy of a watch.Tatoeba #7738 by sacredceltic, translation #251021 by CK
- Les résultats de l'étude sont précis et fiables.The study results are accurate and reliable.
- L'heure exacte du rendez-vous est 9 heures.The exact time of the appointment is 9 o'clock.
- Le rapport est conforme aux normes de l'industrie.The report is accurate according to industry standards.
- Sa réponse est juste, elle a raison.Her answer is accurate, she is right.
- Je peux te donner des consignes plus précises si tu en as besoin.I can give you more accurate instructions if you need them.
- Il est reconnu pour son travail rigoureux et précis.He is renowned for his accurate and precise work.
- 38 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Lucas are discussing a report at work.
- ManonEst-ce que ce rapport est précis ?Is this report accurate?
- LucasOui, j'ai vérifié tous les chiffres.Yes, I checked all the figures.
- ManonMerci, Lucas, c'est très précis.Thank you, Lucas, it is very accurate.
- LucasDe rien, Manon.You're welcome, Manon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “accurate” translations and entries précis, exact, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries exact, précis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
