How to Say "point out" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “point out” is “enseñe” — use 'enseñar' when you need to physically show or indicate a specific location, object, or item, often in response to a request..
English → Spanish
verbA2
Use 'enseñar' when you need to physically show or indicate a specific location, object, or item, often in response to a request.
Examples
Por favor, enseñe su pasaporte al oficial.
Please, show your passport to the officer.
observe
ob-ser-VAR/oβ.seɾˈβaɾ/
verbC1formal
Use 'observar' when you want to draw attention to a specific detail, fact, or piece of information you have noticed.
Examples
El auditor observó que faltaban varios documentos importantes.
The auditor remarked (or pointed out) that several important documents were missing.
Ella observó que la solución propuesta no era viable.
She commented that the proposed solution was not viable.
Reporting Speech
When used in this sense, 'observar' often introduces a statement using 'que' (that), similar to how 'decir' (to say) is used.
Choosing between showing and remarking
Learners often confuse 'enseñar' and 'observar' because both can relate to 'pointing'. Remember, 'enseñar' is about physically showing something, like an object or a place, while 'observar' is about verbally drawing attention to a noticed detail or fact.
Related Translations
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