How to Say "to clarify" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to clarify” is “explicar” — use 'explicar' when you are making a general concept, idea, or situation easier to understand for someone else, often by providing details or reasons..
explicar
ess-plee-CAR/eks.pliˈkaɾ/
Examples
El profesor explicó la lección de gramática muy lentamente.
The teacher explained the grammar lesson very slowly.
¿Puedes explicarme por qué llegaste tarde otra vez?
Can you explain to me why you arrived late again?
Necesitamos que nos expliques el plan antes de empezar.
We need you to explain the plan to us before starting.
Explaining to Whom
When you explain something to a person, that person is usually introduced with 'a' and often requires an indirect object pronoun (me, te, le, nos, les): 'Ella me explicó el problema' (She explained the problem to me).
Spelling Change for Sound
To keep the hard 'k' sound found in 'explicar', the 'c' changes to 'qu' when followed by 'e' (like in the 'yo' preterite: 'expliqué', or all subjunctive forms: 'explique').
Explaining 'about' something
Mistake: “Voy a explicar sobre el tema.”
Correction: Voy a explicar el tema. (The verb 'explicar' usually doesn't need 'sobre' or 'acerca de' when the topic is the direct object.)
puntualizar
/poon-twah-lee-thar//puntu̯aliˈθaɾ/
Examples
El director puntualizó que los cambios serían obligatorios.
The director specified that the changes would be mandatory.
Antes de terminar, me gustaría puntualizar algunos detalles técnicos.
Before finishing, I would like to clarify some technical details.
Ella puntualizó los puntos clave del contrato.
She detailed the key points of the contract.
Spelling Change Alert
When you use 'yo' in the past (preterite) or any form of the 'wishing' verb (subjunctive), the 'z' changes to a 'c' because Spanish spelling rules prefer 'ce' over 'ze'. Example: 'puntualicé'.
Adding Clarification with 'Que'
You often follow this verb with the word 'que' (that) when you are pointing out a specific fact or idea.
Punctuality Confusion
Mistake: “Using 'puntualizar' to mean 'to arrive on time'.”
Correction: Use 'ser puntual' (to be punctual) or 'llegar a tiempo' (to arrive on time) for being on schedule. 'Puntualizar' is about words, not the clock.
matizar
/mah-tee-SAHR//matiˈsaɾ/
Examples
Tengo que matizar mi respuesta anterior: no todos los casos son iguales.
I need to qualify my previous answer: not all cases are the same.
El presidente matizó sus declaraciones después de la crítica.
The president clarified his statements after the criticism.
Es importante matizar que esta es solo mi opinión personal.
It is important to clarify that this is only my personal opinion.
Spelling Change Alert
When the ending starts with an 'e', the 'z' changes to a 'c' (maticé, matice) to keep the 's' sound. This is common for all verbs ending in -zar.
Adding Nuance
Use this verb when you don't want to change your whole story, but just add a little 'extra info' to be more precise.
Confusing it with 'Change'
Mistake: “Usó 'matizar' para decir que cambió de opinión totalmente.”
Correction: Matizar means to adjust or refine, not to totally flip your opinion. Use 'cambiar' for a total switch.
iluminar
/ee-loo-mee-nahr//ilu.miˈnaɾ/
Examples
Sus enseñanzas iluminaron a toda una generación.
His teachings enlightened an entire generation.
Tu explicación iluminó mis dudas sobre el proyecto.
Your explanation clarified my doubts about the project.
Buscaba un guía que pudiera iluminar su camino espiritual.
He was looking for a guide who could enlighten his spiritual path.
Figurative Language
Just like the English 'lightbulb moment,' Spanish uses 'iluminar' to describe a sudden understanding or a wise person sharing knowledge.
Explicar vs. Puntualizar/Matizar
Related Translations
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