Spanish word

explicar

Pronunciation

IPA/ekspliˈkaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbexplain

Example

¿Puedes explicar esto otra vez?

Can you explain this again?

Illustration for explicar (explain)

More examples

Intenta explicar con ejemplos para que todos entiendan.

Try to explain using examples so that everyone understands.

Core concept

Laying out numbered steps on a whiteboard.

Common phrases

  • explicar algo

    explain something

  • explicar paso a paso

    explain step by step

  • explicar con ejemplos

    explain using examples

Similar words

aclarar: Eliminates ambiguity by making the intended meaning more explicit.
describir: Portrays the state or qualities of something through descriptive detail.
detallar: Breaks a whole into parts and explains each part's detailed aspects.
justificar: Offers reasons for behavior or views to make them acceptable or sensible.

Definition in Spanish

Expresar con palabras o ejemplos la razón o el modo de algo para que se entienda.

Word origin

Related to English explicit and explicate and ultimately from Latin explicāre (ex- 'out' + plicāre 'to fold'), the verb originally meant 'to unfold' and therefore to make something clear.

Usage tips

  • Explicar is used for giving reasons or showing how something works, while contar is used for telling stories or recounting events.

Other meanings

  • expoundverb
  • clarifyverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word