B1 Collocation Formal 3 min read

justement exact

justement exact

Literally: justly exact / precisely exact

In 15 Seconds

  • A powerful way to say 'precisely right' in French.
  • Used to confirm a specific logical point or nuance.
  • Best suited for professional or intellectual conversations.

Meaning

This phrase is a high-powered way to say 'precisely right' or 'exactly so.' It is used to confirm that someone has hit the nail on the head regarding a specific detail or logic.

Key Examples

3 of 7
1

In a business meeting

Votre analyse du marché est justement exacte.

Your market analysis is precisely right.

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2

Debating a movie's meaning

C'est justement exact, le réalisateur voulait montrer l'isolement.

That's precisely right, the director wanted to show isolation.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
3

Texting a plan

C'est justement exact, on se retrouve devant le cinéma à 19h.

That's exactly right, we meet in front of the cinema at 7 PM.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
🌍

Cultural Background

Used in intellectual circles to show high-level agreement.

💡

Agreement

Remember to add an 'e' to 'exacte' if the noun is feminine.

In 15 Seconds

  • A powerful way to say 'precisely right' in French.
  • Used to confirm a specific logical point or nuance.
  • Best suited for professional or intellectual conversations.

What It Means

Imagine you are trying to explain a complex feeling. Your friend says one word that fits perfectly. You say justement exact. It means 'precisely right.' It is more than just a simple 'yes.' It is a double-layered confirmation of a specific point. It shows you appreciate the other person's accuracy. It’s the linguistic equivalent of hitting a bullseye in a conversation. You are telling them that their logic is flawless.

How To Use It

You usually place it after a statement you agree with. It works best when preceded by C'est. For example, C'est justement exact. You can also use it as a standalone response to show deep agreement. It sounds intellectual and sharp. Use it to highlight a specific point in a long discussion. It acts like a highlighter for the truth. It’s a great way to show you are paying close attention to nuances.

When To Use It

Use it in professional settings like meetings or interviews. It shows you are engaged and analytical. Use it during deep debates with friends over coffee. It’s perfect for clarifying a misunderstanding. If someone finally understands a difficult point you were making, use this. It rewards their listening skills. It’s also great for technical discussions where precision is everything. Think of it as a tool for surgical agreement.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid it for simple, everyday facts. If someone asks if the oven is on, don't use it. It sounds too heavy for basic small talk. Don't use it if you are only 50% sure. It implies 100% certainty and intellectual alignment. It can sound a bit pretentious if overused in casual settings. Keep it for the moments that truly matter. You don't want to sound like a philosophy professor at a grocery store.

Cultural Background

The French culture deeply prizes the concept of le mot juste. This means finding 'the exact word' for a situation. Precision in language is seen as a sign of respect and intelligence. Being vague is often viewed as a lack of clarity in thought. This phrase reflects the Cartesian logic often found in French education. It’s about the beauty of a perfectly constructed argument. It shows that you value the truth over just being polite.

Common Variations

You will often hear C'est exactement ça for a similar effect. Another common one is Tout à fait, which is very versatile. If you want to be very formal, you might use Précisément. For a casual vibe with friends, just say C'est ça. Each variation has a slightly different weight. Justement exact is one of the strongest ways to validate a specific logical point. It’s the 'premium' version of agreement.

Usage Notes

This phrase sits in the neutral-to-formal register. It is perfect for when you want to sound precise and attentive without being overly stiff.

💡

Agreement

Remember to add an 'e' to 'exacte' if the noun is feminine.

Examples

7
#1 In a business meeting
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Votre analyse du marché est justement exacte.

Your market analysis is precisely right.

Used here to validate a colleague's professional insight.

#2 Debating a movie's meaning
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

C'est justement exact, le réalisateur voulait montrer l'isolement.

That's precisely right, the director wanted to show isolation.

Confirms a friend's interpretation of art.

#3 Texting a plan
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

C'est justement exact, on se retrouve devant le cinéma à 19h.

That's exactly right, we meet in front of the cinema at 7 PM.

Used to confirm specific logistics.

#4 A teacher praising a student
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Ta définition du terme est justement exacte.

Your definition of the term is precisely right.

Formal validation of correct knowledge.

#5 Correcting a misunderstanding
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Ce n'est pas ce que j'ai dit, mais ta nouvelle version est justement exacte.

That's not what I said, but your new version is precisely right.

Used to pivot toward the correct interpretation.

#6 A humorous realization
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Donc je suis officiellement vieux ? — Justement exact !

So I'm officially old? — Precisely right!

Using formal language to emphasize a funny or harsh truth.

#7 An emotional breakthrough
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>

Tu as enfin compris mon ressenti, c'est justement exact.

You finally understood my feelings, that's precisely it.

Validating that someone has understood an emotional state.

Test Yourself

Complete the sentence.

Votre analyse est _________.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: justement exacte

Needs feminine agreement for 'analyse'.

🎉 Score: /1

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

1 exercises
Complete the sentence. Fill Blank B1

Votre analyse est _________.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: justement exacte

Needs feminine agreement for 'analyse'.

🎉 Score: /1

Frequently Asked Questions

1 questions

Yes, it is.

Related Phrases

🔗

C'est ça

similar

That's it

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