Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| aclarar | /aklaˈɾaɾ/ |
| clarificar | /klaɾifiˈkaɾ/ |
| esclarecer | /esklaɾeˈθeɾ/ /esklaɾeˈseɾ/ |
| poner en claro | /poneɾ en klaɾo/ (from spelling rules) |
The English verb 'to clarify' can be expressed through several Spanish terms depending on whether you are clearing up a misunderstanding, shedding light on a complex mystery or performing a technical process.
Which one should you use?
aclarar is the most common and versatile choice, used generally to mean 'to clarify' or 'to clear up' a misunderstanding or a situation. esclarecer is a more formal term used when the clarification involves shedding light on a mystery, a crime or a complex intellectual matter. clarificar is a technical term often used in scientific, technical or formal administrative contexts, such as clarifying a liquid or a specific policy.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the infinitive form aclarar, you can attach the direct object pronoun lo (it) to the end of the word to form aclararlo, meaning 'to clarify it'.
How do you pronounce it?
/aklaˈɾaɾ/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word claro is an interesting outlier because it preserves the Latin 'cl-' sound, which in many other Spanish words evolved into the 'll-' sound.
- While 'to clarify' might seem purely intellectual, the word aclarar is also used for the physical process of making something lighter in color, such as bleaching hair or lightening a shade of paint.
- The word claro can function as a standalone exclamation meaning 'of course' or 'clearly' in many Spanish-speaking contexts.
Examples in context
- El análisis de Mary ayudará a esclarecer el problema.Mary's analysis will help to clarify the problem.This sentence shows how to use esclarecer regarding a problem.Tatoeba #7947188 by Seael, translation #8972820 by Nylez
- ¿Podés aclararlo?Can you clarify that?This sentence demonstrates the use of aclarar with a direct object pronoun.Tatoeba #3467850 by hayastan, translation #3327427 by CK
- Los socios comerciales se apoyan en Japón para clarificar su política comercial.Trading partners are leaning on Japan to clarify its trade policy.This sentence illustrates the use of clarificar in a policy context.Tatoeba #5000628 by albrusgher, translation #321244 by CN
- Por favor, aclare su posición en el tema.Please clarify your position on the matter.
- El orador aclaró las dudas del público.The speaker clarified the doubts of the audience.
- Ruego que especifiquen las condiciones de la oferta.I request that you specify the conditions of the offer.
- El cliente pidió que le especificara los plazos de entrega.The client asked me to clarify the delivery deadlines.
- Oye, aclara lo que quisiste decir con eso.Hey, clarify what you meant by that.
- Aclárame cómo llegaste a esa conclusión tan extraña.Clarify to me how you arrived at such a strange conclusion.
- No entiendo bien lo que dices, explica mejor.I don't understand what you're saying, explain better.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are in a meeting discussing a project.
- LucíaNecesito aclarar este punto del proyecto.I need to clarify this point of the project.
- JavierPor favor, aclara tu duda, Lucía.Please, clarify your doubt, Lucía.
- LucíaNo entiendo el presupuesto final.I don't understand the final budget.
- JavierVoy a aclarar los números ahora mismo.I am going to clarify the numbers right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “clarify” translations and entries aclarar, clarificar, esclarecer, poner en claro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aclarar, clarificar, claro, en, esclarecer, poner, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
