How to Say "to pinpoint" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to pinpoint” is “identificar” — use 'identificar' when you need to find or recognize the specific identity or cause of something, especially when it was previously unknown or unclear.
identificar
ee-den-tee-fee-KARi.ðen.ti.fiˈkaɾ
Examples
Pudimos identificar la causa del problema rápidamente.
We were able to identify the cause of the problem quickly.
La policía identificó al sospechoso por las cámaras de seguridad.
The police identified the suspect using the security cameras.
Necesitas identificar tu equipaje antes de salir del aeropuerto.
You need to identify (tag/claim) your luggage before leaving the airport.
The 'c' to 'qu' Spelling Rule
In the Preterite 'yo' form (identifiqué) and the Subjunctive, the 'c' changes to 'qu' to keep the hard 'k' sound that the verb has in its base form. This is very common for -car verbs!
Forgetting the Spelling Change
Mistake: “Yo identificé (Incorrect spelling in preterite)”
Correction: Yo identifiqué. The 'c' must change to 'qu' before 'e' to maintain the correct pronunciation.
precisar
pre-see-SARpɾesiˈsaɾ
Examples
¿Podrías precisar la fecha del evento?
Could you specify the date of the event?
El informe no precisa las causas del accidente.
The report does not pinpoint the causes of the accident.
Es difícil precisar el momento exacto en que ocurrió.
It is difficult to state precisely the exact moment it happened.
Precision Connection
This meaning of 'precisar' is directly related to the English word 'precision.' Use it when you want to make something clear and exact.
Direct Action
When you use this meaning, you usually don't need 'de.' You just name the thing you are clarifying directly (e.g., 'Precisa tu nombre').
Confusing 'Precise' (Adjective) with 'Precisar' (Verb)
Mistake: “El es muy precisar.”
Correction: Él es muy preciso.
Identifying vs. Specifying
Related Translations
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