explicarle
ex-plee-KAR-leh
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Tengo que explicarle el plan a mi jefe.
A1I have to explain the plan to my boss.
Es difícil explicarle la verdad.
A2It is difficult to explain the truth to him.
Mañana voy a explicarle cómo funciona la máquina.
A2Tomorrow I am going to explain to her how the machine works.
💡 Grammar Points
Two words in one
This is a combination of 'explicar' (to explain) and 'le' (to him/her/you). The 'le' gets attached to the end when the verb is in its basic form.
When to attach 'le'
You attach 'le' to the end of the verb only if it's an infinitive (ends in -ar), a command, or an -ing form (like 'explicándole'). Otherwise, it usually sits in front of the verb.
❌ Common Pitfalls
The 'le' vs 'lo' confusion
Mistake: "explicarlo a ella"
Correction: explicarle a ella
⭐ Usage Tips
Clarifying who 'le' is
Since 'le' can mean him, her, or you (formal), speakers often add 'a él' or 'a ella' at the end of the sentence to be clear.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: explicarle
Question 1 of 2
What does the 'le' in 'explicarle' represent?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can 'explicarle' mean 'explain it'?
No. 'Explicarle' means explain to HIM or HER. If you want to say 'explain it,' you would use 'explicarlo'.
Why is the 'le' at the end?
In Spanish, pronouns like 'le' attach to the end of verbs that are in their dictionary form (infinitives), such as 'explicar'.