How to Say "explains" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “explains” is “explica” — use 'explica' when referring to the act of making something clear or understandable, like explaining a concept, a process, or an idea.
Use 'explica' when referring to the act of making something clear or understandable, like explaining a concept, a process, or an idea.
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Use 'declara' when the meaning is to formally announce or state something officially, often related to customs, taxes, or making a public declaration.
Learn more →ess-PLEE-kaheksˈpli.ka
Examples
Mi madre siempre explica las recetas de cocina con mucha paciencia.
My mother always explains the cooking recipes with a lot of patience.
Usted explica el problema, y yo busco la solución.
You (formal) explain the problem, and I look for the solution.
El libro explica cómo funciona el motor paso a paso.
The book explains how the engine works step by step.
The Regular AR Ending
Since 'explicar' is a regular '-ar' verb, its third-person present form ends in '-a', just like 'habla' (he/she talks) or 'canta' (he/she sings).
Confusing Pronoun Reference
Mistake: “Using 'él explica' when you mean 'I explain' ('yo explico').”
Correction: 'Explica' means 'he/she/it' explains. Make sure you use 'explico' for 'I' or 'explicas' for 'you (informal)'.
deh-KLAH-rahdeˈklaɾa
Examples
El gobierno declara el lunes como día festivo.
The government declares Monday as a holiday.
El testigo declara la verdad ante el juez.
The witness states the truth before the judge.
Ella declara sus impuestos cada año.
She declares her taxes every year.
Two-in-One Form
'Declara' can be a statement (He/she declares) or a command (Declare!). You can tell which is which by the context of the sentence.
Confusing 'Declarar' with 'Decir'
Mistake: “Using 'declara' for everyday speaking.”
Correction: Use 'declara' for formal or serious statements; use 'dice' for just saying something casual.
Explica vs. Declara
Learners often confuse 'explica' and 'declara' because both can involve stating information. Remember that 'explica' is about making something understandable, while 'declara' is about making an official announcement or statement.
Related Translations
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