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How to Say "explain" in Spanish

English → Spanish

aclarar

ah-klah-RAHR/a.klaˈɾaɾ/

verbB1
Use 'aclarar' when you need someone to make something clearer, remove confusion, or provide more details about a specific point or situation.
A thick fog is dramatically receding, revealing a brightly colored, simple red cube sitting clearly on a green field.

Examples

Por favor, aclárame cómo funciona este programa.

Please clarify for me how this program works.

Necesito que me aclares esta parte del contrato.

I need you to clarify this part of the contract for me.

Ella aclaró que la reunión sería a las 10, no a las 11.

She made it clear that the meeting would be at 10, not 11.

El profesor siempre se toma tiempo para aclarar nuestras dudas.

The teacher always takes time to clear up our doubts.

Using 'Aclarar' with 'Que'

When you use 'aclarar' to state a fact or correct a misunderstanding, you usually follow it with 'que' and the normal verb form (indicative): 'Aclaró que viene mañana.'

Mixing up 'Aclarar' and 'Aclararse'

Mistake: “No me aclaro la respuesta. (Incorrect use of reflexive.)”

Correction: No aclaro la respuesta. (Use the simple form when you are doing the action to something else.)

explicar

/es-plee-keh//eksˈpli.ke/

verbB1formal
Use 'explicar' when you want someone to give a detailed account of something, describe how it works, or state the reasons behind it, especially in a more formal or instructional context.
A professional-looking person stands beside a simple, large yellow circle drawn on a blue wall. The person is gesturing toward the shape with an open hand, clearly illustrating a concept.

Examples

El profesor nos explicó la teoría de la relatividad.

The professor explained the theory of relativity to us.

Necesito que usted me explique la diferencia.

I need you (formal) to explain the difference to me.

No creo que yo lo explique tan mal.

I don't believe that I explain it so badly.

¡Explique su punto de vista con más detalle!

Explain your point of view in more detail!

Dual Role of 'Explique'

This single word form is used for three different subjects: I (yo) in wishes/doubts, you formal (usted) in wishes/doubts, and you formal (usted) when giving a polite command.

The C to QU Change

To keep the 'k' sound in the verb 'explicar' before the letter 'e', the 'c' changes to 'qu'. This happens in all forms of the subjunctive and the imperative.

Forgetting the Subjunctive

Mistake: “Quiero que usted explica.”

Correction: Quiero que usted explique. (You must use the special subjunctive form after verbs of desire, like 'querer'.)

Using the 'Tú' Command Form Formally

Mistake: “¡Explica la situación, señorita!”

Correction: ¡Explique la situación, señorita! (For formal commands, use the 'usted' form, which ends in -e for -ar verbs.)

Aclarar vs. Explicar

Learners often confuse 'aclarar' and 'explicar' because both can involve making something understandable. Remember that 'aclarar' focuses on removing doubt or confusion about something already introduced, while 'explicar' is about providing a full account or description of something.

Related Translations

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