ακριβώς
akrivós/a.kɾiˈvos/
The English word 'exactly' is translated into Greek as ακριβώς (akrivós).
ακριβώς is an adverb used to indicate that something is done in an exact or precise manner. It can be used as a standalone exclamation to express strong agreement with a statement, similar to how English speakers use 'Exactly!' Additionally, it can be used to mean 'just' or 'right' when referring to specific points in time or locations, such as in the phrase ακριβώς τώρα (exactly now).
Meaning: in an exact manner (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The adverb ακριβώς is derived from the adjective ακριβής (akrivís), which means 'accurate' or 'precise'.
How do you pronounce it?
The stress is on the third syllable.
When do people say it?
In colloquial Greek, the phrase Ακριβώς έτσι is used to mean 'exactly like this'. If you want to informally agree with or confirm something someone has said, you can use the idiomatic expression Μου το λες, which literally means 'you're telling it to me'.
Did you know?
- The word ακριβώς can be used ironically in Greek conversation to signal that someone is being 'too' precise or pedantic.
- The Greek term ακριβώς is a learned borrowing from the Ancient Greek word ἀκριβῶς, maintaining its form across millennia.
- In Greek, the concept of precision in ακριβώς is closely tied to the word ακρίβεια, which can also describe 'punctuality' when referring to time.
Examples in context
- Τι ακριβώς του 'πες;What exactly did you tell him?This sentence shows how to use ακριβώς when asking for specific information directed at a man.Tatoeba #5565766 by Zeus, translation #3908292 by CH
- Τι ακριβώς της είπες;What exactly did you tell her?This sentence shows how to use ακριβώς when asking for specific information directed at a woman.Tatoeba #5565759 by Zeus, translation #3908293 by CH
- Τι ακριβώς τις είπες;What exactly did you tell them?This sentence shows how to use ακριβώς when asking for specific information directed at multiple people.Tatoeba #5565768 by Zeus, translation #3908291 by CH
- Ακριβώς έτσι πρέπει να το φτιάξειςYou should make it exactly like this
- 50 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anastasia and Dimitris are discussing the time of a meeting.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΘα έρθεις στις πέντε ακριβώς;Tha értheis stis pénte akrivós?Will you come at five exactly?
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΝαι, θα είμαι εκεί ακριβώς τότε.Nai, tha ímai ekeí akrivós tóte.Yes, I will be there exactly then.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΤέλεια, σε περιμένω λοιπόν.Téleia, se periméno loipón.Great, I'll be waiting for you then.
- Δημήτρης DimitrisΘα σε ενημερώσω μόλις φτάσω.Tha se enimeróso mólis ftáso.I will let you know as soon as I arrive.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ακριβώς, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ακριβώς, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
