Inklingo

How to Say "explained" in Spanish

English → Spanish

explicado

/ex-plee-KAH-doh//ekspliˈkaðo/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'explicado' when referring to something that has been made clear or understandable, often as a result of a prior explanation.
A teacher pointing to a bright, glowing lightbulb on a chalkboard to show clarity.

Examples

El concepto fue explicado de manera sencilla.

The concept was explained in a simple way.

El tema ha sido explicado claramente por el profesor.

The topic has been explained clearly by the teacher.

He explicado el plan tres veces.

I have explained the plan three times.

Todo está bien explicado en el manual.

Everything is well explained in the manual.

The 'Finished' Form

Explicado is a past participle. Think of it as the 'done' version of the action 'explicar' (to explain).

Using it with 'Haber'

When you use this word after 'haber' (to have), it always ends in -o, no matter who did the action. For example: 'Ellas han explicado' (They have explained).

Changing the ending with 'Haber'

Mistake: “Saying 'Ellas han explicadas'.”

Correction: Always use 'explicado' after the helping verb 'haber'. Only change it to 'explicada' or 'explicados' if you are using it as a simple description (adjective) without 'haber'.

expuesto

eks-PWES-toh/eksˈpwesto/

verbB1general
Use 'expuesto' when the meaning is the past action of presenting or laying out an idea, argument, or point of view, often in a formal setting.
A person standing in front of a large blank chalkboard, gesturing with their hands as if describing a plan.

Examples

El autor ha expuesto sus argumentos claramente en el libro.

The author has clearly explained/presented his arguments in the book.

He expuesto mi idea ante el jefe.

I have explained my idea to the boss.

El fotógrafo ha expuesto la película demasiado tiempo.

The photographer has exposed the film for too long.

Irregular Ending

Verbs ending in '-poner' (like 'poner' or 'exponer') don't end in '-ido'. Instead of 'exponido', we always use 'expuesto'.

Explicado vs. Expuesto

Learners often confuse 'explicado' and 'expuesto' because both relate to presenting information. Remember that 'explicado' focuses on the state of being made clear, while 'expuesto' emphasizes the act of presenting or laying out ideas.

Related Translations

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