genau

exact

adjective adverb ge-NOW Common

Also means

exactly

Usage Note

genau doubles as an adjective ('precise') and an adverb ('exactly'), and on its own it is the go-to one-word reply for 'exactly!' in conversation. The negation nicht genau means 'not exactly', and genau genommen means 'strictly speaking'. Germans use it constantly as a verbal nod of agreement.

Examples

"Das ist genau richtig."

Natural Translation

That's exactly right.

Literal Translation

That is exactly right.

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