explicarlo
eks-plee-KAHR-loh
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Necesito explic-ar-lo antes de que empieces.
A2I need to explain it before you start.
No es tan difícil como parece, solo tienes que explic-ar-lo bien.
B1It's not as difficult as it seems, you just have to explain it well.
El profesor no pudo explic-ar-lo con suficiente claridad.
B2The teacher couldn't explain it clearly enough.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Infinitive + Pronoun' Rule
When you have a verb in its base form (infinitive, like 'explicar') following another conjugated verb (like 'necesito'), you must attach the small word 'lo' (meaning 'it') directly to the end of the infinitive.
Alternative Placement
You have a choice! Instead of attaching 'lo' to the end, you can place it before the conjugated verb: 'Necesito explicarlo' OR 'Lo necesito explicar'. Both are correct.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Accent
Mistake: "Explicarlo (no accent mark)"
Correction: Explicarlo (no accent needed!). Only when attaching two pronouns (e.g., 'explicárselo') do you usually need an accent to keep the stress on the original syllable.
Gender Confusion
Mistake: "Quiero explicarla (when referring to a masculine topic like 'el problema')."
Correction: Use 'explicarlo' when the thing being explained is masculine ('el problema') or abstract. Use 'explicarla' only if the thing is feminine ('la regla').
⭐ Usage Tips
Stress Pattern
Even though 'lo' is added, the natural stress of the word remains on the 'a' of 'explicar': eks-plee-KAHR-loh. Say it out loud to hear the rhythm.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: explicarlo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the alternative placement for the pronoun 'lo'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'explicarlo' always mean 'to explain it'?
Yes, but 'it' can be a masculine thing (like 'el libro') or an abstract idea/situation. It can also mean 'to explain him' if you are referring to a masculine person.
Why is the stress on the 'a' (explicARlo) and not the 'lo'?
When you attach a pronoun to an infinitive verb, the stress stays on the last syllable of the base verb (the 'ar' ending in this case). This helps native speakers understand that it's still the base verb 'explicar' that is being used.