Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| detallar | /detaˈʝaɾ/ |
| pormenorizar | /poɾmenoɾiˈθaɾ/ /poɾmenoɾiˈsaɾ/ |
| puntualizar | /puntwaliˈθaɾ/ /puntwaliˈsaɾ/ |
The verb forms in this group are used to explain something by providing specific information. While detallar is the most common way to say 'to detail' or 'to list items one by one', other forms exist depending on the level of precision or the specific goal of the explanation. Note that the noun detalle refers to a part considered trivial enough to ignore, and in a military context, destacamento refers to a temporary unit.
Which one should you use?
detallar is the standard way to list items or provide details. pormenorizar is a more formal option that implies a very exhaustive, meticulous and minute description of every single part. puntualizar is used when the goal is to clarify a specific point or to make a precise distinction rather than simply providing a list.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of detallar, which is detallado, can be used as an adjective to mean 'detailed'.
How do you pronounce it?
/detaˈʝaɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, if someone says tener un detalle with you, they are not describing a fact or a list. They are referring to a thoughtful act of kindness or a small, surprising gift.
- The verb detallar comes from the Old French 'detaillier', which literally meant 'to cut into pieces'. This reflects an ancient way of describing the act of breaking a whole subject down into smaller parts.
- While detallar is common, the more formal pormenorizar is built from por and menor, which literally means 'by the smaller'.
Examples in context
- El arquitecto añadió los últimos detalles al diseño del edificio.The architect added the final details to the building's design.
- Es necesario realizar una pormenorización minuciosa del contrato antes de firmar.It's necessary to make a detailed analysis of the contract before signing.
- Mi amigo Pedro siempre se fija en los detallazos de la decoración.My friend Pedro always notices the remarkable details in the decoration.
- El jefe pidió detallar los gastos del viaje.The boss asked to detail the travel expenses.
- Necesito detallar mi plan de trabajo.I need to detail my work plan.
- Puedes detallar los pasos del proceso?Can you detail the steps of the process?
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are discussing a project at work.
- JavierHola Sofía, ¿puedes detallar tu informe?Hi Sofía, can you detail your report?
- SofíaClaro, Javier, lo haré ahora mismo.Sure, Javier, I will do it right now.
- JavierGracias, quiero ver cada paso del proceso.Thanks, I want to see every step of the process.
- SofíaNo hay problema, voy a detallar todo.No problem, I am going to detail everything.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “detail” translations and entries detallar, pormenorizar, puntualizar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries detallar, pormenorizar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
