genau
Translation
exact, precise, accurate
Examples
Ich brauche die genauen Maße.
I need the exact measurements.
Das ist genau richtig.
That is exactly right.
Genau! Das stimmt.
Exactly! That's correct.
Grammar Patterns
((as an adjective)) exact, precise ~ That is an exact description.
((as an adverb)) exactly, precisely ~ He arrives at exactly eight o'clock.
((as a particle)) Exactly! ~ Exactly! That's how we'll do it.
Similar Words
Synonyms: exakt, präzise, akkurat; Antonyms: ungenau, vage
Etymology
From Middle High German 'genouwe' (narrow, close). Related to 'genug' (enough), in the sense of 'just enough', not more or less.
Memory Tips
Sounds like 'Go now!'. Imagine someone giving you precise, exact instructions: 'Go now! Not later, not earlier, exactly now!'