Meaning and Usage
The adjective 정확하다 means "to be exact" or "to be accurate." It is used to describe something that is free from errors or mistakes, such as data, information, time, or explanations.
Common Contexts
You will often hear 정확하다 in academic, professional, or everyday contexts where precision matters. For example, when discussing measurements, schedules, or facts.
Collocations and Patterns
- 정확한 시간 (exact time): used when asking or stating a precise time.
- 정확한 정보 (accurate information): used to emphasize reliability of information.
- 정확히 말하다 (to speak precisely): used when someone wants to express something clearly and without ambiguity.
Register and Politeness
정확하다 is a neutral adjective and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. When making requests or polite statements, it is often combined with polite endings like -요 or -세요.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 정확하다 with 비슷하다 (to be similar) or 틀리다 (to be wrong). Remember, 정확하다 means "correct" or "exact," not just "close" or "different." Use 정확하다 when you want to emphasize correctness or precision.