정확히
jeonghwakhi
The Korean word for 'exactly' is 정확히 (jeonghwakhi).
정확히 is a common and straightforward way to express the adverb 'exactly', referring to precision, correctness or an exact manner.
Meaning: in an exact manner (adv)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of the noun 정확, which means accuracy or exactness and the adverbial suffix -히, which turns the noun into an adverb.
Which one should you use?
While 정확히 refers to precision or correctness, the word 딱 is a more colloquial adverb used to mean 'exactly' in the sense of 'just right' or 'precisely at a certain point or time'.
How do you pronounce it?
jeonghwakhi
When do people say it?
If you wish to agree with someone or confirm that something is correct, you can use 맞아요. For a more informal way to agree or confirm, use 맞아. If you want to emphasize that something is 'exactly that' in an informal setting, you can use the phrase 딱 그거.
Did you know?
- The Hanja roots of 정확 include the character '정' (正), which also means 'correct' or 'upright', linking the concept of accuracy to moral or structural straightness.
- The colloquial word 딱 is often used as if it were an onomatopoeic sound to emphasize that a timing or a fit is 'exactly' on the mark.
- If you use 정확히 to respond to someone's opinion, you might accidentally sound like you are judging the factual truth of their statement rather than simply agreeing with them.
Examples in context
- 톰이 정확히 뭐라고 말했어?What did Tom say exactly?This sentence shows how to use 정확히 when asking for precise details of a statement.Tatoeba #8368451 by Eunhee, translation #2644697 by CK
- 난 정확히 뭘 찾아야 할지 알고 있었다.I knew exactly what to look for.This sentence demonstrates using 정확히 to describe knowing a specific target or object.Tatoeba #13755217 by qlTmalffk, translation #1853703 by LanguageExpert
- 정확히 얼마 들었어?Exactly how much did that cost?This sentence illustrates using 정확히 to ask for a precise amount or cost.Tatoeba #8367841 by Eunhee, translation #6040159 by CK
- 맞아요, 정확히 50,000원이에요.Exactly, it is 50,000 won.
Example conversation
Minjun and Minji are discussing a meeting time in a cafe.
- 민준 Min-jun민지 씨, 우리 정확히 언제 만나요?Minji ssi, uri jeonghwakhi eonje mannayo?Minji, exactly when are we meeting?
- 민지 Min-ji두 시 정각에 만나요.du si jeonggak-e mannayo.Let's meet at exactly two o'clock.
- 민준 Min-jun알겠어요. 늦지 않을게요.algesseoyo. neutji aneulgeyo.Understood. I won't be late.
- 민지 Min-ji네, 그때 봐요!ne, geuttae bwayo!Okay, see you then!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 정확히, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
