Inklingo

explicación

eks-plee-kah-SYOHN/eks.pli.kaˈθjon/

explicación means explanation in Spanish (The act of making something clear).

explanation

Also: clarification, account
NounfA1
A storybook illustration showing an adult helping a confused child understand a concept. The child's confusion, visualized as a dark cloud, is being replaced by a bright, glowing lightbulb representing clarity and understanding.

📝 In Action

¿Puedes darme una explicación rápida?

A1

Can you give me a quick explanation?

Necesito una explicación detallada de por qué el sistema falló.

B1

I need a detailed explanation of why the system failed.

La explicación del profesor sobre la gravedad fue muy concisa y fácil de seguir.

B2

The professor's explanation of gravity was very concise and easy to follow.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • aclaración (clarification)
  • detalle (detail)

Antonyms

  • confusión (confusion)
  • misterio (mystery)

Common Collocations

  • pedir una explicaciónto ask for an explanation
  • dar una explicaciónto give an explanation
  • una explicación lógicaa logical explanation

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "explicación" in Spanish:

clarification

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: explicación

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses the Spanish word for 'explanation'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
explicar(to explain)Verb
explicativo(explanatory)Adjective
🎵 Rhymes
canciónsituación
📚 Etymology

Comes from the Latin verb *explicare*, which originally meant 'to unroll' or 'to unfold' (like unfolding a scroll). Over time, this concept of 'unfolding' became synonymous with 'unfolding knowledge' or 'making something clear'.

First recorded: 15th century (in its modern Spanish form)

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: explicaçãoFrench: explication

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I politely ask someone for an explanation?

The most common and polite phrase is '¿Me puedes dar una explicación?' (Can you give me an explanation?) or the slightly more formal '¿Podría explicarme esto?' (Could you explain this to me?).

What is the difference between 'explicación' and 'aclaración'?

They are very similar synonyms. 'Explicación' is the general term for making something understood. 'Aclaración' is specifically used when you need to resolve confusion or clear up a misunderstanding.