How to Say "to outline" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to outline” is “destacar” — use 'destacar' when you want to emphasize or make important points stand out, much like highlighting text..
destacar
/des-tah-KAHR//destaˈkaɾ/
Examples
El profesor destacó los puntos más importantes de la lección.
The teacher highlighted the most important points of the lesson.
Ella destaca por su inteligencia y amabilidad.
She stands out for her intelligence and kindness.
Cabe destacar que el proyecto terminó a tiempo.
It is worth noting that the project finished on time.
The 'QU' Spelling Change
To keep the hard 'K' sound, the 'c' changes to 'qu' whenever it is followed by an 'e'. This happens in the 'yo' form of the past (destaqué) and all forms of the present subjunctive (destaque).
Standing out vs. Highlighting
If you are using the word to say someone is better than others, use the preposition 'por' to explain why: 'Destaca por su voz' (She stands out for her voice).
Misspelling in the Past
Mistake: “Yo destacé.”
Correction: Yo destaqué. Remember that in Spanish, 'ce' sounds like 'se', so we need 'que' to keep the hard 'K' sound from the original word.
diseñar
/dee-seh-nyahr//diseˈɲaɾ/
Examples
Yo quiero diseñar mi propia ropa algún día.
I want to design my own clothes someday.
El arquitecto diseñó un edificio muy moderno.
The architect designed a very modern building.
Estamos diseñando una nueva estrategia de ventas.
We are designing a new sales strategy.
It's a Direct Action
Unlike English where we sometimes 'design for' something, in Spanish you usually just 'design the thing' directly. No extra words like 'of' or 'on' are needed between the verb and the object.
Regular -ar Pattern
This verb is perfectly regular. If you know how to conjugate 'hablar' (to speak), you can conjugate 'diseñar' exactly the same way.
Confusing with 'Designar'
Mistake: “Using 'diseñar' when you mean to appoint someone to a job.”
Correction: Use 'designar' for appointing/naming, and 'diseñar' for creative drawing or planning.
exponer
/ex-po-NAIR//eks.poˈneɾ/
Examples
El profesor expuso los motivos del examen.
The professor explained the reasons for the exam.
Permítame exponer mi punto de vista.
Allow me to state my point of view.
El abogado expuso las pruebas ante el juez.
The lawyer presented the evidence before the judge.
Formal Contexts
When you want to say 'I'd like to explain' in a business meeting, 'Quisiera exponer' sounds much more professional than 'Quiero explicar'.
trazar
/tra-SAR//tɾaˈsaɾ/
Examples
Debemos trazar un plan de acción para el próximo año.
We must devise an action plan for next year.
El gobierno trazó una nueva política económica.
The government outlined a new economic policy.
Trazaron su futuro con mucha ambición.
They mapped out their future with a lot of ambition.
Abstract Usage
When used for plans or goals, 'trazar' implies that you are setting a clear, visible path to follow, much like a line on a map.
perfilar
/per-fee-LAR//peɾfiˈlaɾ/
Examples
Ella empezó a perfilar el dibujo con un rotulador negro.
She started to outline the drawing with a black marker.
Las montañas se perfilaban contra el cielo del atardecer.
The mountains were silhouetted against the evening sky.
Es importante perfilar bien los bordes antes de pintar.
It is important to outline the edges well before painting.
Using 'se' for shapes
When you want to say something's shape 'is visible' or 'stands out' against a background, use the reflexive form 'perfilarse'.
Don't confuse with 'dibujar'
Mistake: “Dibujar un borde.”
Correction: Perfilar un borde.
configurar
/kon-fee-goo-rar//koɱfiɣuˈɾaɾ/
Examples
La historia configura nuestra identidad nacional.
History shapes our national identity.
Varios factores configuran el clima de esta región.
Several factors shape the climate of this region.
Estas leyes configuran el nuevo marco económico.
These laws shape the new economic framework.
Abstract contexts
In high-level Spanish, this verb is used to describe how invisible forces (like laws or history) give 'shape' to something abstract.
Planning vs. Highlighting
Related Translations
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