Inklingo

How to Say "summary" in Spanish

English → Spanish

resumen

/rre-soo-MEN//reˈsumen/

nounA2General use
Use 'resumen' for general summaries of meetings, reports, books, articles, or any general content where you need a condensed overview.
A very tall stack of colorful books standing next to a single, small, rolled-up parchment scroll tied with a red ribbon.

Examples

¿Puedes darme un resumen de la reunión de hoy?

Can you give me a summary of today's meeting?

El resumen del capítulo es muy útil para estudiar.

The chapter summary is very useful for studying.

El artículo científico incluye un resumen al inicio para que sepas de qué trata.

The scientific article includes an abstract at the beginning so you know what it is about.

Masculine Noun

Since 'resumen' is a masculine noun, always use 'el' (the) or 'un' (a/an) before it: 'el resumen', 'un resumen excelente'.

The Plural Form

Mistake: “Using 'resumens' instead of the correct plural form.”

Correction: The correct plural is 'resúmenes'. When adding '-es' to a word that ends in '-n' and has the stress on the last syllable, the written accent mark must be added to the syllable before the last one.

breve

/breh-veh//ˈbɾeβe/

nounB2Formal/Official
Use 'breve' when referring to a formal, often official, written statement or declaration, especially in a religious or legal context, meaning a short document or papal brief.
A rolled-up parchment scroll tied with a red ribbon, secured by a large, ornate red wax seal.

Examples

El Vaticano publicó un breve para aclarar el dogma.

The Vatican published a papal brief to clarify the dogma.

El juez solicitó un breve sobre el caso.

The judge requested a summary/brief on the case.

Masculine Noun

When referring to the religious document, 'breve' is a masculine noun ('el breve').

descripción

nounA1General
Use 'descripción' when you need a brief account or portrayal of something, focusing on describing its characteristics rather than condensing its main points.

Examples

Necesito una descripción clara del problema para poder ayudarte.

I need a clear description of the problem to be able to help you.

Resumen vs. Descripción

Learners often confuse 'resumen' and 'descripción' because both can involve brevity. Remember that 'resumen' condenses information (what happened, main points), while 'descripción' explains characteristics (what it is like).

Related Translations

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