tarkkaa

Tarkkaa is a Finnish adjective meaning precise, exact, or careful. It is used to describe things or actions that are accurate, thorough, or performed with attention to detail. In everyday language it can apply to data, measurements, work, descriptions, or observations. The nuance is that tarkka emphasizes accuracy and meticulousness, while related words such as täsmällinen emphasize punctuality or exactness in a different sense.

In grammar, tarkka takes various endings to agree with the noun it modifies. The dictionary form is tarkka. In the partitive singular, which is common with indefinite quantities or uncountable nouns, the form tarkkaa is used, as in tarkkaa tietoa (accurate information) or tarkkaa mittausta (precise measurement). The adjective also appears in other inflected forms to match number and case, for example tarkat in the plural or tarkkaa työn in a genitive construction. The general rule is that tarkka behaves like a typical Finnish adjective, aligning with the noun it modifies.

Etymologically, tarkka derives from the native Finnish root tied to carefulness and vigilance, reflecting the sense of paying close attention. It is closely related to verbs and nouns connected with seeing, watching, and examining, underscoring the notion of thoroughness.

Usage notes: tarkkaa is common in technical, scientific, and journalistic contexts where rigor and precision are important. It is often contrasted with täsmällinen, which stresses exactness in detail or punctuality, and huolellinen, which emphasizes thoroughness. Typical collocations include tarkkaa tietoa, tarkkaa dataa, tarkkaa mittausta, and tarkkaa tutkimusta.