How to Say "to state" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to state” is “expresar” — use this word when you want to convey a feeling, opinion, or a general fact, often in a personal or less formal context.
expresar
eks-preh-SAHReks.pɾeˈsaɾ
Examples
Quiero expresar mi gratitud por tu ayuda.
I want to express my gratitude for your help.
Ella expresó una opinión muy fuerte sobre el tema.
She stated a very strong opinion on the topic.
Es difícil expresar exactamente lo que siento.
It is difficult to express exactly what I feel.
Regular -AR Verb
This verb follows the simplest pattern for Spanish verbs ending in -ar. Just remove the -ar and add the standard endings (like -o, -as, -a, etc.).
Transitive Use
When you use 'expresar,' you almost always need to say what you are expressing (the direct object): expresar [algo].
mencionar
men-sio-NARmenθjoˈnaɾ
Examples
Por favor, no menciones mi nombre en la reunión.
Please, don't mention my name in the meeting.
Ella mencionó que iba a viajar a Chile el próximo mes.
She mentioned that she was going to travel to Chile next month.
El informe menciona varios errores en el proceso.
The report mentions several errors in the process.
Regular -AR Verb
This is a regular verb, meaning its endings follow the standard pattern for all verbs that end in -ar. Once you know the pattern, you can conjugate 'mencionar' in any tense easily.
Direct Object Needed
In Spanish, you almost always need to mention what is being mentioned. 'Menciono' (I mention) is usually followed by the thing or person: 'Menciono el problema' (I mention the problem).
Using 'a' unnecessarily
Mistake: “Voy a mencionar a esto.”
Correction: Voy a mencionar esto. ('Mencionar' does not usually take the preposition 'a' unless you are mentioning a person, which is optional: 'Menciona (a) Juan.')
afirmar
ah-fear-MAHRa.fiɾˈmaɾ
Examples
Afirmó que había estado allí.
He affirmed that he had been there.
El testigo afirmó la verdad de su declaración.
The witness confirmed the truth of his statement.
—¿Estás seguro? —Afirmativo, estoy seguro.
—Are you sure? —Yes, I'm sure.
Saying yes firmly
In informal Spanish, people often say '¡Afirmativo!' (affirmative) or just 'Afirm' as a casual way to say yes, similar to 'yeah!' in English.
Confusing afirmar with afirmar
Mistake: “Using 'afirmar' when you mean 'to make something firm physically'”
Correction: Use 'asegurar' or 'fijar' for the physical meaning (to secure/attach something).
exponer
ex-po-NAIReks.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'.
formular
for-moo-larfoɾmuˈlaɾ
Examples
Tengo que formular una pregunta para el profesor.
I have to phrase a question for the teacher.
Es difícil formular mis sentimientos con palabras.
It is difficult to put my feelings into words.
El abogado formuló una queja ante el juez.
The lawyer lodged a complaint before the judge.
When to use Formular vs. Hacer
Use 'hacer' for casual questions. Use 'formular' when you want to sound precise, such as in a debate or a professional email.
A Regular Action Word
This verb follows the standard pattern for -ar verbs, meaning the endings stay very predictable in every tense.
The 'Ask' Confusion
Mistake: “Don't say 'formular una respuesta' when you mean 'give an answer'.”
Correction: Say 'dar una respuesta'. 'Formular' is for the process of building the sentence or question itself.
señalar
seh-nyah-LAHRseɲaˈlaɾ
Examples
El informe señala que las ventas han subido.
The report indicates that sales have gone up.
Es importante señalar este detalle en el contrato.
It is important to highlight this detail in the contract.
Los expertos señalan la falta de agua como el problema principal.
Experts point out the lack of water as the main problem.
Formal 'That'
When you use 'señalar' to say 'the report says that...', you must follow it with 'que'. Example: 'Señala que...'
manifestar
mah-nee-fehs-TARmaniφesˈtaɾ
Examples
El director manifestó su alegría por los resultados.
The director expressed his joy regarding the results.
Debes manifestar tus dudas antes de firmar el contrato.
You should state your doubts before signing the contract.
Manifestaron su desacuerdo con la nueva ley.
They showed their disagreement with the new law.
The 'E' to 'IE' Change
This verb is a 'vowel-swapping' verb. When the stress falls on the 'e' in the middle, it changes to 'ie' (like 'manifiesto'). This happens in all present forms except 'nosotros' and 'vosotros'.
Formal Tone
Use this word when you want to sound professional. While 'decir' means 'to say,' 'manifestar' sounds like you are making an official statement.
The Wrong Vowel
Mistake: “Yo manifesto mi opinión.”
Correction: Yo manifiesto mi opinión. Remember to change the 'e' to 'ie' when you are the one doing the action in the present.
proclamar
pro-kla-MARpɾoklaˈmaɾ
Examples
Ella quiere proclamar su amor a los cuatro vientos.
She wants to shout her love from the rooftops.
No es necesario proclamar tus éxitos todo el tiempo.
It is not necessary to announce your successes all the time.
Él proclama orgulloso sus raíces culturales.
He proudly asserts his cultural roots.
Verb-Object Connection
When you use this word, you usually follow it directly with the thing you are shouting about (the object).
General vs. Formal Statements
Related Translations
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