精密

せいみつ

precise, exact, detailed, minute

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"精密" (せいみつ) means "precise," "exact," or "detailed." It is often used to describe things that require high accuracy or fine detail, such as machinery, calculations, or inspections.

Common Contexts

You will frequently see "精密" in technical or scientific contexts, such as "精密機械" (precise machinery), "精密検査" (detailed examination), or "精密な計算" (precise calculation).

Collocations and Patterns

  • 精密機械: precise machinery, used when talking about devices requiring high accuracy.
  • 精密検査: detailed or thorough medical or technical examination.
  • 精密な計算: calculations that require exactness and no errors.

Register and Nuance

"精密" is a formal word often used in written language, technical documents, or professional settings. It conveys a high level of accuracy and care.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse "精密" with "正確" (accurate) or "詳細" (detailed). "精密" emphasizes fine detail and precision, often in a technical sense, while "正確" is more about correctness and "詳細" about thoroughness or completeness.

Example Sentences

このとけいはせいみつなきかいでつくられている。

This watch is made with precise machinery.

せいみつなけいさんがひつようなしごとです。

This is a job that requires precise calculations.

せいみつけんさをうけるためにびょういんにいった。

I went to the hospital to undergo a detailed examination.