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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.

explicación

eks-plee-kah-SYOHN

nounfA1
explanation?The act of making something clear
Also:clarification?A detailed note or statement,account?A report of an event

📝 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 explicación – to ask for an explanation
  • dar una explicación – to give an explanation
  • una explicación lógica – a logical explanation

💡 Grammar Points

Feminine Noun Rule

Most Spanish words ending in '-ción' (like 'explicación') are feminine, so you must use 'la' or 'una' before them.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Incorrect Gender

Mistake: "El explicación."

Correction: La explicación. Remember that 'explicación' is feminine.

Misplaced Accent

Mistake: "Explicacion (without the accent)."

Correction: Explicación. The accent mark over the 'o' is essential; it tells you where to stress the word when speaking.

⭐ Usage Tips

Using the related verb

The verb form is 'explicar' (to explain). You can say 'Necesito que me expliques' (I need you to explain to me) instead of 'Necesito una explicación'.

✏️ 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

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.