How to Say "to specify" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to specify” is “especificar” — use this general term when you need to give clear, explicit details about something, like a requirement or a preference..
especificar
/es-peh-see-fee-KAHR//espeθifiˈkaɾ/
Examples
Por favor, especifica el color que quieres para la camiseta.
Please specify the color you want for the t-shirt.
El contrato especifica que el pago debe hacerse antes del lunes.
The contract specifies that payment must be made before Monday.
No especificaste las condiciones del trato en el correo electrónico.
You didn't specify the terms of the deal in the email.
The Spelling Swap
When a verb ends in '-car', the 'c' changes to 'qu' in the 'yo' form of the past tense and in the special 'wish' forms (subjunctive). This keeps the 'k' sound consistent.
No extra words needed
In English, we sometimes 'specify about' something, but in Spanish, you just specify the thing directly. You don't need 'de' or 'en' after it.
The 'Yo' Past Tense
Mistake: “Yo especificé (written as especificé but meant to sound like specifying).”
Correction: Say 'especifiqué'. If you write it with a 'c', it would sound like 'especific-eh' (like the 's' in city).
Using 'en' incorrectly
Mistake: “Tienes que especificar en el color.”
Correction: Say 'Tienes que especificar el color.' Spanish treats the thing you specify as the direct target of the verb.
detallar
/deh-tah-yahr//de.taˈʝaɾ/
Examples
El informe detalla todos los gastos del viaje.
The report details all the travel expenses.
Por favor, detalla los pasos que debemos seguir.
Please, list the steps we must follow in detail.
No es necesario detallar cada pequeña conversación.
It is not necessary to detail every little conversation.
It's an 'action' word for thoroughness
Use 'detallar' when you aren't just telling a story, but explaining every small part of it. It's like taking a big picture and zooming in on the small pieces.
Easy conjugation pattern
This verb is perfectly regular. If you know how to conjugate 'hablar' (to speak), you can conjugate 'detallar' exactly the same way.
Confusing the noun and the verb
Mistake: “Él quiere detalle el plan.”
Correction: Él quiere detallar el plan.
concretar
/kon-kre-TAR//koŋkɾeˈtaɾ/
Examples
Por fin pudimos concretar la fecha de la boda.
We were finally able to finalize the wedding date.
Necesitamos concretar los detalles del contrato mañana.
We need to specify the contract details tomorrow.
Antes de irnos, vamos a concretar quién traerá la comida.
Before we go, let's pin down who will bring the food.
Making ideas real
Think of this word as 'making something concrete.' It's an action used when you move from a vague idea to a solid, decided-upon fact.
Verb without a person
When you say something needs to be finalized without saying who does it, use 'se': 'Se concretó el trato' (The deal was finalized).
Don't use 'hacer concreto'
Mistake: “Quiero hacer concreto mis planes.”
Correction: Quiero concretar mis planes. (Spanish uses this single verb instead of a phrase.)
precisar
/pre-see-SAR//pɾesiˈsaɾ/
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.
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.
delimitar
/de-lee-mee-TAR//delimiˈtaɾ/
Examples
Debemos delimitar claramente nuestras responsabilidades.
We must clearly define our responsibilities.
El investigador necesita delimitar el tema de su tesis.
The researcher needs to narrow down the topic of his thesis.
Este documento ayuda a delimitar el alcance del contrato.
This document helps specify the scope of the contract.
Abstract Usage
Even though it sounds physical, in professional Spanish, we use this to talk about ideas and work duties to avoid confusion later.
Followed by a Direct Object
This verb doesn't usually need a preposition (like 'of' or 'about') after it. You simply 'delimitar' the thing directly.
Missing Clarity
Mistake: “Using 'decidir' (to decide) when you mean 'to define the extent of'.”
Correction: Instead of 'decidimos el proyecto', say 'delimitamos el proyecto' to mean you set the specific boundaries of what the project will cover.
General vs. Exact Details
Related Translations
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