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A2 adjective #1,500 más común 14 min de lectura

exato

Top 1,500

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos exato en 30 segundos

Explicación exato in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners encounter the word 'exato' primarily in very simple, concrete contexts related to daily survival and basic communication. When you are just starting to learn Portuguese, you need to express basic concepts of time, money, and location. 'Exato' is introduced as a way to say 'exact' or 'exactly'. For example, when learning numbers and telling time, a beginner might learn to say 'É uma hora exata' (It is exactly one o'clock) to emphasize that it is not 1:05 or 12:55. Similarly, when dealing with money, which is a crucial skill for any beginner traveling to a Portuguese-speaking country, the phrase 'valor exato' (exact amount) is highly useful. If a cashier asks for 'o valor exato', the A1 learner understands that they need to provide the precise change rather than a large bill. The grammar at this level focuses on the basic masculine and feminine forms: 'exato' for masculine words (like 'o número exato') and 'exata' for feminine words (like 'a hora exata'). The pronunciation is also a key focus, teaching the learner that the 'x' sounds like a 'z' (/e'zatu/). At this stage, the word is treated as a simple vocabulary item, a direct translation of the English word 'exact', used to avoid ambiguity in basic transactions and scheduling.

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As learners progress to the A2 level, their use of 'exato' expands beyond basic survival phrases into more descriptive and conversational contexts. At this stage, learners are building their ability to describe events, places, and people with more detail. 'Exato' becomes a tool for adding precision to these descriptions. For instance, an A2 learner might use it when giving or receiving directions: 'Onde é o local exato?' (Where is the exact location?). They start to use it to describe quantities more confidently, such as 'o número exato de pessoas' (the exact number of people) when planning a small gathering or booking a table at a restaurant. The concept of plural agreement is solidified here, with learners practicing 'exatos' and 'exatas' to match plural nouns. Furthermore, A2 learners begin to recognize and use the standalone exclamation 'Exato!' in conversation to show strong agreement with a conversation partner, similar to saying 'Exactly!' or 'Spot on!' in English. This usage helps them participate more naturally in dialogues, showing active listening and comprehension. The word shifts from being merely a transactional tool to a conversational enhancer, allowing learners to express certainty and clarity in their everyday interactions.

Reaching the B2 level means a learner is approaching fluency and can communicate with a degree of spontaneity and complex thought. Here, 'exato' is used with high frequency and accuracy in both professional and social environments. B2 learners use the word to construct detailed arguments, negotiate, and provide precise instructions. In a business context, they might discuss 'os termos exatos do contrato' (the exact terms of the contract) or 'o valor exato do orçamento' (the exact budget amount). They are comfortable using 'exato' to emphasize subtle points in a debate, such as 'O motivo exato da minha discordância é...' (The exact reason for my disagreement is...). At this stage, learners are also highly aware of synonyms and can choose between 'exato', 'preciso', 'correto', and 'certo' depending on the specific nuance they wish to convey. They understand that 'exato' implies a lack of approximation, while 'correto' implies adherence to rules. The stylistic inversion of the adjective, placing it before the noun for emphasis ('no exato momento' instead of 'no momento exato'), becomes a natural part of their expressive repertoire. The word is fully integrated into their active vocabulary, used effortlessly to demand or provide absolute clarity.

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At the C1 level, the learner's command of Portuguese is advanced, and their use of 'exato' reflects a deep understanding of idiomatic, academic, and literary contexts. C1 speakers use 'exato' not just for clarity, but for rhetorical effect. They might use it to dissect complex arguments, pointing out 'a falha exata' (the exact flaw) in a philosophical or political proposition. In academic writing or formal presentations, they utilize 'exato' to describe rigorous methodologies, data sets, and scientific phenomena with absolute precision. They are comfortable with highly specific collocations and fixed expressions. Furthermore, C1 learners appreciate the subtle emotional weight the word can carry; for example, describing 'a sensação exata' (the exact feeling) of a complex psychological state. They can play with the word's meaning, perhaps using it ironically to highlight a lack of precision in someone else's statement. At this level, there are no grammatical errors regarding agreement or placement. The use of 'exato' is sophisticated, precise, and indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker, serving as a powerful tool for articulation in highly demanding linguistic environments.

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At the C2 level, the mastery of 'exato' is absolute. The learner possesses a near-native intuition for the word's deepest nuances, historical connotations, and stylistic potential. A C2 speaker can seamlessly integrate 'exato' into highly specialized jargon, whether in law, medicine, engineering, or literature. They understand how the concept of exactness permeates Portuguese cultural and intellectual history. In literary analysis, they might discuss how an author uses 'a palavra exata' (the exact word, *le mot juste*) to evoke a specific imagery or tone. They can manipulate the syntax surrounding 'exato' to create rhythm and emphasis in public speaking or creative writing. The distinction between 'exato' and its closest synonyms is deeply internalized, allowing for instantaneous, perfect word choice in any scenario, no matter how complex or abstract. At this pinnacle of language proficiency, 'exato' is more than just a vocabulary word; it is a conceptual tool used to navigate and articulate the most intricate, precise, and demanding aspects of human thought and communication in the Portuguese language.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

exato en 30 segundos

Means 'exact' or 'precise'.
Must agree in gender and number.
Used for time, money, and data.
Can mean 'Exactly!' in conversation.

The Portuguese word 'exato' is an adjective that translates directly to 'exact', 'precise', or 'accurate' in English. It is a highly versatile word used to describe something that is not approximated in any way, shape, or form. When you use 'exato', you are communicating a level of precision that leaves no room for doubt, error, or ambiguity. This concept is fundamental in both everyday conversations and highly technical contexts. For instance, when discussing time, 'o momento exato' refers to the precise second something occurred, highlighting the importance of punctuality and specific temporal references. In mathematics and science, 'um cálculo exato' means a calculation that is completely free of errors, representing the absolute truth of the numbers involved. The word originates from the Latin 'exactus', which means precise or accurate, and it has retained this core meaning throughout centuries of linguistic evolution. Understanding 'exato' also requires understanding its gender and number agreements in Portuguese. As an adjective, it must agree with the noun it modifies, becoming 'exata' for feminine nouns, 'exatos' for masculine plural nouns, and 'exatas' for feminine plural nouns. This agreement is a crucial aspect of Portuguese grammar that learners must master to use the word correctly.

Etymology: Derived from the Latin 'exactus', meaning precise, accurate, or strictly demanded. This historical root emphasizes the strictness of the precision involved.

Foi no momento exato em que a luz apagou.

Beyond simple measurements, 'exato' carries a psychological and emotional weight. When someone says 'é exatamente isso' (using the adverbial form), they are validating another person's thoughts or feelings with absolute certainty. It creates a bond of shared understanding. In the context of physical locations, 'o local exato' is used by emergency services, delivery drivers, and friends meeting up to ensure there is no confusion. The demand for exactness is a hallmark of modern society, where GPS coordinates, digital timestamps, and precise financial transactions dictate the flow of daily life.

Usage Context: Commonly used in scientific, mathematical, and everyday contexts to denote absolute precision without any deviation or approximation.

O valor exato da conta é cinquenta reais.

Furthermore, the concept of exactness is deeply embedded in the Portuguese educational system, where 'ciências exatas' (exact sciences) refers to fields like mathematics, physics, and chemistry, distinguishing them from humanities or social sciences. This categorization highlights the cultural perception of 'exato' as something rigorous, objective, and indisputable. When a person is described as having an 'memória exata', it means their recollection of events is flawless, capturing every detail with photographic precision.

Cultural Significance: In Portuguese-speaking cultures, valuing exactness in certain contexts (like business or science) contrasts with the more relaxed cultural attitudes towards time in social settings.

Precisamos da medida exata para cortar a madeira.

Ele tem o número exato de convidados.

Esta é a cópia exata do documento original.

In summary, 'exato' is a powerful adjective that brings clarity, precision, and absolute certainty to the Portuguese language. Whether you are measuring ingredients for a recipe, calculating the trajectory of a rocket, or simply confirming that someone has understood your point perfectly, 'exato' is the word you rely on to eliminate all doubt and establish the precise truth of the matter at hand.

Using the word 'exato' correctly in Portuguese involves understanding its grammatical function as an adjective and its syntactical placement within a sentence. Because it is an adjective, its primary role is to modify a noun, providing more specific information about that noun's nature—specifically, its precision. The most critical rule to remember is gender and number agreement. Portuguese is a heavily inflected language, meaning that adjectives must change their endings to match the nouns they describe. If the noun is masculine singular, like 'o número' (the number), the adjective is 'exato' ('o número exato'). If the noun is feminine singular, like 'a hora' (the hour/time), the adjective becomes 'exata' ('a hora exata'). For plurals, you add an 's': 'os valores exatos' (the exact values) and 'as palavras exatas' (the exact words).

Placement: In Portuguese, adjectives typically follow the noun they modify. Therefore, 'exato' usually comes right after the noun, as in 'o momento exato'.

Quero saber o motivo exato do seu atraso.

While 'exato' usually follows the noun, placing it before the noun can sometimes add a stylistic or emphatic flair, though this is less common in everyday speech and more frequent in literature or formal rhetoric. For example, 'o exato momento' emphasizes the exactness even more strongly than 'o momento exato'. This inversion is a subtle tool that advanced speakers use to manipulate the rhythm and focus of their sentences.

Adverbial Form: By adding the suffix '-mente' to the feminine form, you create the adverb 'exatamente', meaning 'exactly'. This is used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs.

A resposta exata não foi encontrada.

Another common usage is in the phrase 'dar o troco exato', which means to give exact change. In many commercial situations in Brazil or Portugal, cashiers might ask if you have 'o valor exato' (the exact amount) to avoid having to break large bills. This practical application makes the word highly relevant for tourists and language learners navigating daily transactions. Furthermore, 'exato' is frequently paired with words related to time, location, and measurement. You will often hear phrases like 'no ponto exato' (at the exact spot), 'na medida exata' (in the exact measure), and 'no centro exato' (in the exact center).

Idiomatic Expressions: 'Exato' is part of several fixed expressions, such as 'ciências exatas' (exact sciences), which refers to disciplines relying on strict mathematical proofs.

Você tem o troco exato para o ônibus?

O relógio mostra a hora exata de Brasília.

A temperatura exata da água é crucial para o chá.

To master the use of 'exato', practice combining it with different nouns and paying close attention to the gender and number agreement. Listen to how native speakers use it to emphasize their points or to demand precision in various scenarios. Whether you are agreeing enthusiastically with a friend by exclaiming 'Exato!' or carefully measuring ingredients for a traditional Brazilian feijoada, understanding the nuances and grammatical rules of this word will significantly enhance your fluency and confidence in Portuguese.

The word 'exato' is ubiquitous in the Portuguese-speaking world, echoing through various environments ranging from casual street conversations to highly formal academic lectures. Because the need for precision is a universal human requirement, the contexts in which you will encounter this word are incredibly diverse. One of the most common places you will hear 'exato' is in commercial settings. When you are at a supermarket, a bakery (padaria), or a local market, cashiers frequently deal with the challenge of providing change. If you hand over a large bill for a small purchase, the cashier might politely ask, 'Você teria o valor exato?' (Would you have the exact amount?). This is a daily interaction in Brazil and Portugal, making 'exato' a survival word for anyone handling cash.

Commerce: Frequently used in transactions when requesting exact change to facilitate smooth and quick payments without needing to break large bills.

Por favor, pague o valor exato na bilheteria.

Another prominent domain where 'exato' is heavily utilized is in navigation and giving directions. With the advent of GPS technology and ride-sharing apps like Uber, pinpointing a location has become a daily necessity. A driver might call you and ask, 'Qual é o seu local exato?' (What is your exact location?) to ensure they pick you up at the right spot. Similarly, when giving directions to a friend trying to find a specific restaurant or house, you might emphasize 'o endereço exato' (the exact address) to prevent them from getting lost in a complex neighborhood.

Navigation: Crucial for modern logistics, ride-sharing, and personal navigation to specify coordinates or addresses without ambiguity.

O mapa mostra o ponto exato do tesouro.

You will also hear 'exato' frequently in educational and professional environments. In schools and universities, subjects are often divided into 'ciências exatas' (exact sciences, like math and physics) and 'ciências humanas' (humanities). A math teacher will demand 'o resultado exato' (the exact result) of an equation, not an approximation. In the corporate world, managers and analysts rely on 'dados exatos' (exact data) to make informed decisions. A financial report must contain 'números exatos' to be considered reliable and compliant with regulations.

Academia & Business: Used to describe rigorous data, precise calculations, and specific scientific fields that rely on objective, quantifiable truths.

A engenharia exige um cálculo exato das forças.

Não sei o dia exato em que ele nasceu.

Foi no exato instante em que a porta se abriu.

Finally, 'exato' appears in emotional and interpersonal contexts. When recounting a story, a speaker might emphasize 'as palavras exatas' (the exact words) someone used to convey the precise tone or insult. In arguments or debates, demanding 'o motivo exato' (the exact reason) is a way of pushing for clarity and avoiding vague excuses. By paying attention to these various contexts—commerce, navigation, academia, business, and personal interactions—you will develop a comprehensive understanding of how and when to deploy 'exato' naturally and effectively in your own Portuguese conversations.

When learning to use the word 'exato' in Portuguese, students often encounter a few common stumbling blocks. Because 'exato' translates so neatly to 'exact' in English, learners sometimes assume its grammatical behavior is identical, which leads to errors. The most frequent and glaring mistake is the failure to agree the adjective with the noun in gender and number. In English, 'exact' never changes, whether you are talking about an exact man, an exact woman, exact numbers, or exact sciences. In Portuguese, however, the adjective must morph to match its noun. A learner might say 'a hora exato' instead of the correct 'a hora exata', or 'os números exato' instead of 'os números exatos'. This lack of agreement immediately marks the speaker as a non-native and can sometimes cause slight confusion, though the meaning is usually still understood.

Gender Agreement: Always ensure 'exato' matches the gender of the noun. Masculine nouns take 'exato', while feminine nouns take 'exata'.

A ciência exata não permite achismos.

Another common mistake involves confusing 'exato' with its adverbial counterpart, 'exatamente'. 'Exato' is an adjective and modifies nouns. 'Exatamente' is an adverb and modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. A student might incorrectly say 'Ele fez isso exato como eu pedi' (He did it exact as I asked) instead of the correct 'Ele fez isso exatamente como eu pedi' (He did it exactly as I asked). Understanding the difference between describing a thing (adjective) and describing an action (adverb) is crucial for mastering this word family.

Adjective vs Adverb: Do not use 'exato' to describe how an action is performed. Use 'exatamente' for actions, and reserve 'exato' for describing nouns.

O peso exato da bagagem é vinte quilos.

Learners also sometimes confuse 'exato' with 'certo' or 'correto'. While these words are synonyms in some contexts, they have distinct nuances. 'Certo' and 'correto' mean 'right' or 'correct', implying adherence to a rule or truth. 'Exato' means 'precise', implying a lack of deviation or approximation. For example, if someone guesses your age is 30 and you are 30, they are 'certo' (right). But if they guess you are 30 years, 2 months, and 4 days old, and that is true, they are 'exato' (precise). Using 'exato' when you just mean 'certo' can sound overly dramatic or inappropriately scientific in casual conversation.

Nuance Confusion: Avoid using 'exato' merely to mean 'correct'. Reserve it for situations where precision, measurement, or absolute lack of ambiguity is the focus.

Eles chegaram no minuto exato do início do filme.

A tradução exata dessa palavra é difícil.

Qual é o tamanho exato da camisa que você usa?

Lastly, pronunciation can sometimes be a minor issue. The 'x' in 'exato' is pronounced like a 'z' (/e'zatu/), not like 'ks' or 'sh'. English speakers might be tempted to say 'eks-ato', which sounds unnatural. Mastering the /z/ sound for the 'x' in this specific word is a small but significant step toward sounding more like a native speaker. By being mindful of gender agreement, distinguishing between the adjective and the adverb, understanding the nuance compared to 'certo', and nailing the pronunciation, learners can avoid these common pitfalls and use 'exato' with confidence and accuracy.

The Portuguese language is rich with vocabulary that expresses precision, correctness, and accuracy. While 'exato' is a powerful and commonly used word, it is part of a broader family of synonyms and related terms that carry slightly different nuances. Understanding these similar words allows learners to express themselves with greater variety and precision, choosing the exact right word for the specific context. One of the most common synonyms is 'preciso'. Like 'exato', 'preciso' means precise or accurate. However, 'preciso' is often used more in the context of instruments, tools, or actions that require careful control, such as 'um corte preciso' (a precise cut) or 'um instrumento preciso' (a precise instrument). 'Exato' tends to lean slightly more towards mathematical or absolute factual correctness.

Preciso vs Exato: 'Preciso' emphasizes the care and fine-tuning of an action or instrument, while 'exato' emphasizes the absolute factual correctness or lack of deviation from a standard.

O atirador fez um disparo exato no alvo.

Another very common related word is 'certo', which translates to 'right' or 'correct'. 'Certo' is much broader in its application than 'exato'. You can say 'a resposta certa' (the right answer) or 'o caminho certo' (the right path). While 'certo' implies that something is not wrong, it doesn't necessarily carry the intense demand for absolute precision that 'exato' does. For example, saying a meeting is at 'duas horas' might be 'certo' (correct), but saying it is at 'duas horas, três minutos e cinco segundos' is 'exato' (exact).

Certo vs Exato: 'Certo' is the general term for correct or right, opposing 'errado' (wrong). 'Exato' is a more specific subset of correctness, opposing 'aproximado' (approximate).

Esta é a quantia exata que eu te devia.

'Correto' is another synonym, very similar to 'certo', meaning correct or accurate. It is often used in formal contexts, such as 'um procedimento correto' (a correct procedure) or 'uma afirmação correta' (a correct statement). Again, 'correto' focuses on adherence to truth or rules, whereas 'exato' focuses on the lack of approximation. A related term in the realm of punctuality is 'pontual'. While 'exato' can be used for time ('no momento exato'), 'pontual' specifically describes a person or an event that happens exactly on time. You would say 'ele é muito pontual' (he is very punctual), not 'ele é muito exato'.

Rigoroso: 'Rigoroso' means rigorous or strict. It can be a synonym for 'exato' when describing a method or a scientific process that demands strict adherence to exact parameters.

O cientista fez um relato exato da experiência.

A cor exata do vestido é azul-marinho.

Ele tem o perfil exato para esta vaga de emprego.

By understanding the subtle differences between 'exato', 'preciso', 'certo', 'correto', and 'pontual', learners can elevate their Portuguese from simply being understandable to being highly articulate and contextually appropriate. Choosing the right synonym demonstrates a deep grasp of the language's nuances and allows for much clearer and more effective communication in both written and spoken Portuguese.

How Formal Is It?

Nivel de dificultad

Gramática que debes saber

Adjective-Noun Agreement

Placement of Adjectives

Formation of Adverbs (-mente)

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Ejemplos por nivel

Eu tenho o valor exato.

I have the exact amount.

Masculine singular agreement: 'o valor' -> 'exato'.

A hora exata é meio-dia.

The exact time is noon.

Feminine singular agreement: 'a hora' -> 'exata'.

Este é o número exato.

This is the exact number.

Masculine singular agreement.

Preciso da medida exata.

I need the exact measurement.

Feminine singular agreement.

O preço exato é dez reais.

The exact price is ten reais.

Masculine singular agreement.

São duas horas exatas.

It is exactly two o'clock.

Feminine plural agreement: 'horas' -> 'exatas'.

O local exato é aqui.

The exact location is here.

Masculine singular agreement.

Você tem o troco exato?

Do you have exact change?

Masculine singular agreement.

Foi no momento exato em que choveu.

It was at the exact moment it rained.

Used to pinpoint a specific time.

Eu não sei o motivo exato.

I don't know the exact reason.

Modifying an abstract noun (motivo).

As palavras exatas foram essas.

The exact words were these.

Feminine plural agreement: 'palavras' -> 'exatas'.

Qual é o endereço exato da festa?

What is the exact address of the party?

Asking for precise location information.

Ele chegou no minuto exato.

He arrived at the exact minute.

Emphasizing punctuality.

O tamanho exato da camisa é M.

The exact size of the shirt is M.

Describing precise physical attributes.

Exato! É isso que eu penso.

Exactly! That's what I think.

Used as a standalone interjection for agreement.

Precisamos dos dados exatos amanhã.

We need the exact data tomorrow.

Masculine plural agreement: 'dados' -> 'exatos'.

A matemática é uma ciência exata.

Mathematics is an exact science.

Common collocation 'ciência exata'.

Não tenho a quantia exata na carteira.

I don't have the exact amount in my wallet.

Feminine singular agreement with 'quantia'.

Esse é o exato problema que precisamos resolver.

That is the exact problem we need to solve.

Adjective placed before the noun for emphasis.

O cálculo exato demorou horas para ser feito.

The exact calculation took hours to be done.

Subject of the sentence.

Quero saber a localização exata do pacote.

I want to know the exact location of the package.

Used in logistics and tracking contexts.

A tradução exata dessa expressão não existe.

The exact translation of this expression does not exist.

Discussing linguistic precision.

Ele descreveu o suspeito com detalhes exatos.

He described the suspect with exact details.

Masculine plural agreement.

No exato instante da explosão, a luz apagou.

At the exact instant of the explosion, the light went out.

Emphasizing a critical split-second.

O relatório exige números exatos, sem estimativas.

The report requires exact numbers, without estimates.

Contrasting 'exatos' with 'estimativas'.

Para a receita funcionar, a temperatura exata do forno é crucial.

For the recipe to work, the exact oven temperature is crucial.

Used in instructional and procedural contexts.

O advogado pediu a definição exata do termo legal.

The lawyer asked for the exact definition of the legal term.

Formal professional context requiring absolute clarity.

A engenharia civil depende de cálculos estruturais exatos.

Civil engineering depends on exact structural calculations.

Masculine plural agreement in a technical context.

Não me lembro da data exata, mas foi em meados de 2010.

I don't remember the exact date, but it was in mid-2010.

Admitting a lack of precision.

A dosagem exata do medicamento deve ser respeitada.

The exact dosage of the medication must be respected.

Medical context where precision is vital.

O GPS fornece as coordenadas exatas do navio.

The GPS provides the exact coordinates of the ship.

Feminine plural agreement: 'coordenadas' -> 'exatas'.

A reprodução exata da obra de arte custou milhões.

The exact reproduction of the artwork cost millions.

Describing a flawless copy or replica.

A precisão exata do instrumento permitiu a descoberta científica.

The exact precision of the instrument allowed the scientific discovery.

Slightly redundant but used for strong rhetorical emphasis.

O historiador buscou a transcrição exata do discurso original.

The historian sought the exact transcription of the original speech.

Academic context requiring rigorous accuracy.

A nuance exata do seu tom de voz revelou sua ironia.

The exact nuance of his tone of voice revealed his irony.

Applying 'exata' to abstract, subtle human behaviors.

O algoritmo requer parâmetros exatos para otimizar o processo.

The algorithm requires exact parameters to optimize the process.

Technical IT context.

A correlação exata entre as duas variáveis ainda é debatida.

The exact correlation between the two variables is still debated.

Statistical and analytical terminology.

O poeta procurou a rima exata para encerrar o soneto.

The poet searched for the exact rhyme to close the sonnet.

Literary context, finding the perfect word.

A calibração exata do motor aumentou a eficiência do veículo.

The exact calibration of the engine increased the vehicle's efficiency.

Engineering and mechanical precision.

A delimitação exata das fronteiras causou um conflito diplomático.

The exact delimitation of the borders caused a diplomatic conflict.

Geopolitical context.

A exegese do texto demanda uma compreensão exata do contexto histórico.

The exegesis of the text demands an exact understanding of the historical context.

Highly advanced academic vocabulary (exegese).

A sintonia exata dos instrumentos na orquestra é imperceptível aos leigos.

The exact tuning of the instruments in the orchestra is imperceptible to laymen.

Describing an elite level of sensory precision.

A fenomenologia busca a descrição exata da experiência consciente.

Phenomenology seeks the exact description of conscious experience.

Philosophical terminology.

A replicação exata do DNA é fundamental para a divisão celular.

The exact replication of DNA is fundamental for cell division.

Advanced biological science context.

A jurisprudência exige a aplicação exata da norma ao caso concreto.

Jurisprudence requires the exact application of the norm to the concrete case.

Advanced legal terminology.

A tradução literária raramente atinge a equivalência exata de significado e forma.

Literary translation rarely achieves the exact equivalence of meaning and form.

Discussing the theoretical limits of precision.

A topografia do terreno foi mapeada com uma exatidão milimétrica, revelando o contorno exato.

The topography of the terrain was mapped with millimetric exactness, revealing the exact contour.

Using related words (exatidão) alongside the adjective.

A taxonomia das espécies requer critérios exatos de classificação morfológica.

The taxonomy of species requires exact criteria of morphological classification.

Highly specialized scientific classification.

Colocaciones comunes

momento exato

valor exato

hora exata

local exato

ciências exatas

número exato

medida exata

ponto exato

cálculo exato

cópia exata

Frases Comunes

no momento exato

dar o troco exato

saber ao exato

no ponto exato

na medida exata

o exato oposto

ciências exatas

o valor exato

a hora exata

o local exato

Se confunde a menudo con

exato vs certo

exato vs correto

exato vs preciso

exato vs exatamente

Modismos y expresiones

"na mosca (implies exactness)"

"em cheio (hit exactly)"

"na ponta do lápis (calculated exactly)"

"ao pé da letra (exact literal meaning)"

"tim-tim por tim-tim (in exact detail)"

"como um relógio (exact/punctual)"

"na medida (exact fit)"

"cair como uma luva (fit exactly)"

"na risca (exactly on the line)"

"bater certo (to match exactly)"

Fácil de confundir

exato vs

Patrones de oraciones

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Cómo usarlo

note

While 'exato' means exact, do not use it to mean 'correct' in a moral or behavioral sense. Use 'correto' for that.

Errores comunes

Saying 'a hora exato' instead of 'a hora exata'.
Pronouncing the 'x' as 'ks' instead of 'z'.
Using 'exato' instead of 'exatamente' to modify a verb.
Using 'exato' when 'correto' (morally or procedurally correct) is more appropriate.
Forgetting to make 'exato' plural when the noun is plural (e.g., 'os números exato').

Consejos

Match the Gender

Always look at the noun before using 'exato'. If the noun ends in 'a' (like a hora), use 'exata'. If it ends in 'o' (like o número), use 'exato'.

The Z Sound

Train yourself to see the 'x' in 'exato' and say 'z'. Practice saying 'e-za-to' slowly until it feels natural.

The Exclamation

Want to sound like a native? When someone explains something perfectly, just nod and say 'Exato!'. It's a great active listening tool.

Money Matters

Memorize the phrase 'valor exato'. You will hear it constantly in supermarkets and buses in Brazil and Portugal.

Adjective vs Adverb

Don't use 'exato' to describe an action. If you want to say 'He spoke exactly like you', use 'exatamente' (Ele falou exatamente como você).

O Momento Exato

Learn the chunk 'no momento exato' (at the exact moment). It's a very common phrase used in storytelling and reporting.

Exato vs Certo

Remember that 'certo' means right/correct, but 'exato' means precise. A guess can be 'certo', but a measurement is 'exato'.

Look for Plurals

When reading, notice how plurals are formed: 'os dados exatos' (the exact data). The 's' must be on both the noun and the adjective.

Emphasis Inversion

In creative writing, try putting 'exato' before the noun for dramatic effect: 'Foi no exato instante...' (It was at the exact instant...).

Exact Sciences

If you are talking to a student, ask if they study 'ciências exatas' or 'humanas'. It's a standard way to discuss university majors.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

EXATO sounds like EXACT-O. Just drop the C and add an O for the masculine Portuguese word for EXACT.

Origen de la palabra

Latin

Contexto cultural

Very common to hear bus drivers or cashiers ask for 'dinheiro trocado' or 'valor exato'.

Used similarly, with a strong emphasis on 'ciências exatas' in the educational system.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Inicios de conversación

"Você sabe o endereço exato do restaurante?"

"Qual é a hora exata agora?"

"Você tem o valor exato para pagar a conta?"

"Qual é o motivo exato da sua viagem?"

"Você concorda com isso? (Answer: Exato!)"

Temas para diario

Descreva o momento exato em que você decidiu aprender português.

Qual é a sua opinião sobre as 'ciências exatas'?

Escreva sobre uma vez em que você precisou do endereço exato e se perdeu.

Como você descreveria a cor exata do céu hoje?

Por que é importante ter informações exatas nas notícias?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

'Exato' is an adjective, meaning it describes a noun (e.g., 'a hora exata' - the exact time). 'Exatamente' is an adverb, meaning it describes a verb, an adjective, or another adverb (e.g., 'Ele fez exatamente isso' - He did exactly that). Think of 'exato' as 'exact' and 'exatamente' as 'exactly'.

The 'x' in 'exato' is pronounced like a 'z' in English. The phonetic transcription is /e'zatu/. Do not pronounce it like 'ks' (eks-ato) or 'sh' (esh-ato).

If someone makes a statement and you agree completely, you can say 'Exato!' as a standalone exclamation. However, if you want to say 'You are right', you should say 'Você está certo' or 'Você tem razão', not 'Você está exato'.

In the Portuguese-speaking educational system, academic disciplines are broadly categorized. 'Ciências exatas' (exact sciences) refers to fields like mathematics, physics, and chemistry, which rely on precise calculations, as opposed to 'ciências humanas' (humanities).

Yes, 'exato' is an adjective and must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. It can be exato (masculine singular), exata (feminine singular), exatos (masculine plural), or exatas (feminine plural).

Usually, 'exato' comes immediately after the noun it describes, like 'o valor exato'. However, for stylistic emphasis, it can occasionally be placed before the noun, as in 'o exato momento'.

Yes, very frequently. Cashiers will often ask for 'o valor exato' (the exact amount) or 'o troco exato' (the exact change) to avoid having to break large bills.

The most direct opposites are 'inexato' (inexact) or 'aproximado' (approximate). You might also use 'impreciso' (imprecise) or 'errado' (wrong) depending on the context.

Absolutely. It is very common to say 'a hora exata' (the exact time) or 'no minuto exato' (at the exact minute) to emphasize punctuality or a specific moment in time.

No, 'exato' is used across all registers, from highly formal academic papers to casual everyday conversations at the bakery. It is a fundamental vocabulary word.

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writing

Write a sentence asking for the exact time.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Uses 'a hora exata' for feminine agreement.