Inklingo

How to Say "to summarize" in Spanish

English → Spanish

resumir

/rreh-soo-MEER//re.suˈmir/

verbA2general
Use 'resumir' when you want to give a brief overview of the main points of something, like a story, a meeting, or a text.
A small pile of golden grain next to a large, overflowing basket of wheat stalks.

Examples

¿Puedes resumir la película en pocas palabras?

Can you summarize the movie in a few words?

El profesor nos pidió resumir el primer capítulo del libro.

The teacher asked us to summarize the first chapter of the book.

Para resumir, estamos muy contentos con los resultados.

To sum up, we are very happy with the results.

A Regular -ir Verb

Good news! This verb follows the standard rules for all verbs ending in -ir. No stem changes or weird endings to memorize.

Using 'En resumen' as a Transition

If you want to finish a speech or a paragraph, use 'En resumen' at the start of your final sentence to signal you are wrapping up.

The 'Resume' Trap

Mistake: “Using 'resumir' to mean starting something again.”

Correction: Use 'reanudar' or 'continuar' for 'to resume' (start again). 'Resumir' only means to shorten or recap information.

sintetizar

/seen-teh-tee-SAHR//sinteθiˈθaɾ/

verbB2formal
Choose 'sintetizar' when you need to condense complex information or arguments into a concise summary, focusing on the essential elements.
A large pile of many scattered papers being compressed into one small, neat notebook.

Examples

Debes sintetizar los puntos principales del informe.

You must summarize the main points of the report.

Ella sabe sintetizar muy bien las ideas de diferentes autores.

She knows how to combine ideas from different authors very well.

En este capítulo, el autor intenta sintetizar su teoría.

In this chapter, the author tries to synthesize his theory.

Spelling Change Rule

The 'z' in the base word changes to a 'c' whenever it's followed by the letter 'e'. This happens in the 'I' form of the past (yo sinteticé) and all forms of the special 'wish/command' mood (subjunctive).

Using the 'I' form in the Past

When talking about something you summarized yesterday, use 'sinteticé' (I summarized). Don't forget the accent mark on the final 'e'!

The 'z' to 'c' Trap

Mistake: “Yo sintetizé los datos.”

Correction: Yo sinteticé los datos. Because of Spanish spelling rules, 'z' usually becomes 'c' before an 'e'.

Resumir vs. Sintetizar

Learners often use 'resumir' for all situations, but 'sintetizar' is preferred in more academic or professional contexts when you're condensing complex information. Think of 'sintetizar' as a more advanced, focused form of summarizing.

Related Translations

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