How to say "exact" in Japanese

• 精密せいみつJLPT N1approx.Common
  na-adjective, nounCovers 'exact' as in precision down to fine detail. Used of instruments, measurements, and examinations carried out with minute accuracy, where thoroughness and fineness of detail matter more than simple correctness.
  なぜならば、精密せいみつに検査けんさしても何なんか欠点けってんが現あらわれないほど美うつくしいものは存在そんざいしないからである。↗

  This is because there is nothing so beautiful that, even on close inspection, no defects will be found.
• 的確てきかくJLPT N2approx.Common
  na-adjective, nounCovers 'exact' with an added nuance of aptness: hitting the mark. Typical of judgments, answers, or advice that are not only accurate but also well suited to the situation.
  間髪かんぱつを入いれず、迅速じんそくかつ的確てきかくな応対おうたい、畏れ入おそれいります。↗

  Such an accurate, lightning-quick reply. What can I say?
• 取り立てるとりたてるJLPT N1approx.Common
  ichidan verb, transitive verbThis is the verb 'to exact' — to demand and collect what is owed, such as debts — not the adjective. For 'exact' meaning accurate, this is never the word you want.
  王おうは人民じんみんから税ぜいを厳きびしく取り立とりたてた。↗

  The king exacted taxes from his people.
• 厳正げんせいCommon
  na-adjective, nounCovers 'exact' in the sense of strict and rigorous. Describes judgment, evaluation, or treatment that is scrupulously fair and impartial, so the emphasis falls on fairness and rigor rather than accuracy of detail.
• 正確せいかくJLPT N3approx.Common
  na-adjective, nounThe default word for 'exact' meaning free of error. Use it for information, figures, times, or copies that are correct and accurate; when unsure which word fits, this is usually the safe choice.
  この時計とけいの時間じかんは正確せいかくだ。↗

  This watch keeps correct time.

For 'exact' meaning accurate and error-free, 正確 is the default choice; 精密 stresses fine detail, 的確 adds aptness, 厳正 implies strict fairness, and 「取り立てる」 is the unrelated verb 'to exact' (force payment of debts).

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 精密せいみつprecise
• 的確てきかくaccurate
• 取り立てるとりたてるto collect (debts)
• 厳正げんせいstrict
• 正確せいかくaccurate
• 正々せいせいaccurate
• 寸分違わぬすんぶんたがわぬexactly the same
• 確かたしかreliable