Translation and Meaning of: 正確 - seikaku

The Japanese word 正確[せいかく] is an essential term for those who wish to understand the language and culture of Japan. Its main meaning revolves around precision, accuracy, and correctness, reflecting important values in Japanese society. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in everyday life, and why it is so relevant for Japanese students. Additionally, we will see practical tips for memorizing it and its impact in different contexts.

If you have ever wondered how the Japanese value precision in their actions and words, 正確[せいかく] is an excellent starting point. This word not only describes something error-free, but also carries significant cultural weight. Here, we will unravel its uses, from informal conversations to more formal situations, and understand why it is so frequent in Japanese vocabulary.

Meaning and Use of 正確 [せいかく]

正確[せいかく] is a na-adjective that means "precise," "exact," or "correct." It is often used to describe information, data, clocks, or even a person's behavior. For instance, saying that a clock is 正確[せいかく] implies that it keeps time flawlessly, something highly valued in Japan, where punctuality is crucial.

In addition, this word can be applied in abstract contexts, such as in explanations or logical reasoning. If someone presents a well-founded argument, it is common to hear praises like 「彼の説明は正確だ」 (His explanation is precise). This use reinforces the idea that precision is not limited to objects, but also to ideas and communications.

Origin and Components of Kanji

The word 正確[せいかく] is composed of two kanjis: 正 (correct, just) and 確 (certain, confirmed). Together, they form a term that emphasizes the idea of something that has been verified and is free from errors. The kanji 正 also appears in words like 正解[せいかい] (correct answer) and 正直[しょうじき] (honesty), illustrating its relation to concepts of correctness and integrity.

The second kanji, 確, appears in terms like 確認[かくにん] (confirmation) and 確実[かくじつ] (certainty). This combination not only reinforces the meaning of precision but also shows how kanjis can be broken down to make memorization easier. Studying these radicals helps to better understand not only 正確[せいかく] but also other related words.

Tips for Memorizing and Using Correctly

An effective way to reinforce 正確[せいかく] is to associate it with everyday situations where precision is essential. For example, think of a train that always arrives on time or a detailed map that contains no errors. These mental images help create strong connections with the meaning of the word.

Another tip is to practice with simple sentences, such as 「この時計は正確ですか？」 (Is this watch accurate?). Repeating this type of construction in real contexts strengthens familiarity with the term. Additionally, noting examples in flashcards or apps like Anki can be useful for quick reviews.

Cultural Context and Importance in Japan

In Japan, precision is not just a desirable quality, but an expectation in many aspects of life. From the punctuality of public transport to the meticulousness in industrial processes, 正確[せいかく] reflects a deeply rooted cultural value. This mindset extends even to education, where students are encouraged to seek exact and well-founded answers.

In work environments, being 正確[せいかく] is often associated with professionalism and reliability. Mistakes are viewed seriously, especially in sectors such as engineering, medicine, and technology. Therefore, mastering the usage of this word goes beyond vocabulary—it's also a way to understand how Japanese society operates.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 精密 (Seimitsu) - Precision; accuracy in details.
• 正確性 (Seikaku-sei) - Precision; the quality of being exact.
• 正確さ (Seikaku-sa) - Accuracy; the state of being correct.
• 確実 (Kakujitsu) - Certainty; reliability in results.
• 真実 (Shinjitsu) - Truth; that which is true, opposite to false.
• 確か (Tashika) - Certainly; something that is safe or clear.
• 確実性 (Kakujitsu-sei) - Reliability; the characteristic of being safe.
• 確定 (Kakutei) - Confirmation; the act of making certain or definitive.
• 確信 (Kakushin) - Conviction; strong belief or faith in something.
• 信頼性 (Shinrai-sei) - Reliability; the quality of being trustworthy.

正確

Romaji: seikaku
Kana: せいかく
Type: Adjective
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: necessary; punctuality; accuracy; authenticity; veracity

Meaning in English: accurate;punctuality;exactness;authenticity;veracity

Definition: Something that is consistent with facts and reality and free of errors.

Example Sentences - (正確) seikaku

See below some example sentences:

正確な情報を提供してください。

Seikaku na jōhō o teikyō shite kudasai

Please provide accurate information.

Provide accurate information.

• 正確な - adjective meaning "precise, exact"
• 情報 - noun meaning "information"
• を - Particle indicating the direct object of the sentence
• 提供 - verb meaning "to provide, offer"
• して - verb form that indicates action in progress
• ください - verb meaning "please, favor of"

この書類の記述は正確ですか？

Kono shorui no kijutsu wa seikaku desu ka?

Is this document accurate?

Is this document accurate?

• この - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one"
• 書類 - noun meaning "document" or "paperwork"
• の - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 記述 - noun meaning "description" or "report"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 正確 - adjective meaning "precise" or "exact"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• か - Particle that indicates a question
• ？ - punctuation mark that indicates a question

この寸法は正確です。

Kono sunpō wa seikaku desu

This measure is accurate.

This dimension is accurate.

• この - this
• 寸法 - dimension
• は - is
• 正確 - I need
• です - is

この帳簿は正確ですか？

Kono chōbo wa seikaku desu ka?

Is this account correct?

Is this book accurate?

• この - demonstrative "this"
• 帳簿 - "accounting book"
• は - Topic particle
• 正確 - "precise, exact"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• か - interrogative particle
• ？ - question mark

この秤は正確に計量できます。

Kono hakari wa seikaku ni keiryou dekimasu

This scale can measure accurately.

This scale can be measured accurately.

• この - demonstrative "this"
• 秤 - noun "scale"
• は - Topic particle
• 正確に - adverb "precisely"
• 計量 - noun "measurement"
• できます - the verb "can be done" (polite form)

この書類には正確な情報が記載されています。

Kono shorui ni wa seikaku na joho ga kisai sarete imasu

This document contains accurate information.

• この - demonstrative pronoun "this"
• 書類 - noun "document"
• には - Topic marking particle
• 正確な - adjective "precise, exact"
• 情報 - noun "information"
• が - subject particle
• 記載されています - verb "to be written, to be recorded"

この列車は正確な軌道を保っています。

Kono ressha wa seikaku na kidō o tamotte imasu

This train is maintaining a precise trajectory.

This train maintains a precise orbit.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 列車 - noun meaning "train"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 正確な - adjective meaning "precise" or "exact"
• 軌道 - noun meaning "trajectory" or "orbit"
• を - direct object particle that indicates the target of the action
• 保っています - verb meaning "maintain" or "preserve" in the present continuous

この情報は正確ですか？

Kono jōhō wa seikaku desu ka?

Is this information accurate?

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 情報 - noun meaning "information"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 正確 - adjective meaning "precise" or "exact"
• です - verb to be in the polite form
• か - interrogative particle indicating a question
• ？ - punctuation mark that indicates a question

この書類の内容は正確ですか？

Kono shorui no naiyo wa seikaku desu ka?

Is the contents of this document?

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 書類 - noun meaning "document" or "paperwork"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 内容 - noun meaning "content" or "information"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 正確 - adjective meaning "precise" or "exact"
• です - verb ser/estar in the present and formal tenses
• か - Particle that indicates a question
• ？ - punctuation mark that indicates a question

この精密な計器はとても正確です。

Kono seimitsu na keiki wa totemo seikaku desu

This precision tool is very accurate.

This precision instrument is very accurate.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 精密な - adjective meaning "precise" or "exact"
• 計器 - noun meaning "measuring instrument"
• は - Topic particle
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 正確 - adjective meaning "precise" or "exact"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form