C'est exact
In French, "that is correct" is translated as C'est exact.
C'est exact is used to confirm that a specific statement or a piece of information is accurate. You can add tout à fait before exact to say C'est tout à fait exact, which means "That is quite correct" and provides more emphasis. Other related words for affirmation include Vraiment (Really) and Absolument (Absolutely).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of C'est (it is) and exact (exact/accurate).
Which one should you use?
While C'est exact confirms the precision or accuracy of a specific fact, C'est vrai is more commonly used to confirm the truth of a statement or to agree with a sentiment.
How does it change in a sentence?
This expression uses the impersonal ce (it/this) in the form C'est rather than cela or ça in standard spoken and written French.
Did you know?
- The word exact comes from the Latin 'exactus', which is the past participle of a verb meaning 'to drive out' or 'to shake out'.
- While C'est exact is used for facts, French speakers often use the phrase C'est ça in casual conversation to mean 'that is correct' or 'that is the one'.
- In French, confirming a fact with C'est exact is distinct from agreeing with an opinion, which would more likely trigger the phrase Je suis d'accord.
Examples in context
- "Quelle est la capitale de la France?" "La capitale de la France est Paris. C'est exact!""What is the capital of France?" "The capital of France is Paris. That is correct!"
- "La réunion est prévue pour mardi prochain." "Tout à fait, j'en prends note.""The meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday." "That is correct, I'll make a note of it."
- C'est exact.That is correct.
Example conversation
Léa and Gabriel are discussing a meeting time.
- LéaLe rendez-vous est à quatorze heures, n'est-ce pas ?The meeting is at two p.m., isn't it?
- GabrielC'est exact, Léa.That is correct, Léa.
- LéaTu es très ponctuel, Gabriel.You are very punctual, Gabriel.
- GabrielMerci, c'est important pour moi.Thank you, it is important to me.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries c'est, exact, CC BY-SA 4.0.
