正確

The word "正確" describes a state where something matches a factual truth, a standard, or a specific measurement without any error. It encompasses both "accuracy" (being correct) and "precision" (being exact).

In practical usage, it is often contrasted with "適当" (tekitou), which in this context means "sloppy" or "approximate." While "正確" implies a rigorous adherence to a rule or fact, "適当" suggests a lack of care or a "good enough" approach.

It is important to distinguish "正確" from "精密" (seimitsu). While "正確" refers to the absence of error (e.g., an accurate clock), "精密" refers to the level of detail or the fineness of a mechanism (e.g., a precision instrument). A machine can be "精密" (highly detailed/fine) but not "正確" (if it consistently produces the wrong result).

In social contexts, demanding that someone be "正確" can sound very strict or formal, as it leaves no room for ambiguity or approximation. It is commonly used in professional, academic, and technical settings where errors are unacceptable.