por favor detalle
/poɾ faboɾ detaʝe/from spelling rules
The English phrase "please elaborate" is translated into Spanish as por favor detalle.
This phrase is a polite request for someone to provide more detailed information about something they have said. While you can use the direct command por favor detalle, in professional or academic settings it is often more natural to use a full question such as ¿Podría dar más detalles, por favor? (Could you give more details, please?). Another common and natural alternative is to use the verb ampliar, which means "to expand" or "to elaborate".
Which one should you use?
The specific form you use depends on whether you are addressing someone formally or informally. Use por favor detalle or por favor amplíe for formal situations, and use por favor detalla to address someone informally (using "tú").
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase por favor detalle, the word detalle is the third-person singular imperative in the subjunctive mood, which is used to address someone formally as usted. To make the request informal when addressing someone as tú, use the form por favor detalla.
How do you pronounce it?
/poɾ faboɾ detaʝe/
Did you know?
- While detalle means 'to elaborate' in this context, as a noun it can refer to a small gift or a thoughtful gesture, such as un detalle.
- The word detalle is actually a linguistic 'cousin' to the English word 'tail', as both trace back to the idea of cutting or shaping something into smaller pieces.
- Spanish has several ways to say 'elaborate' depending on the goal. Detallar focuses on the precision of the parts, while explayarse implies speaking at length and with passion.
Examples in context
- Entiendo que esto es importante, pero ¿podría ampliar un poco más sobre cómo funciona?I understand this is important, but could you elaborate a bit more on how it works?
- ¿Te importaría ser más específico/a sobre los detalles? Me gustaría que fueras más específico/a, si es posible.Would you mind being more specific about the details? I would like you to elaborate further, if possible.
- Escuché que fuiste a un concierto increíble. Oye, ¿me cuentas más sobre eso?I heard you went to an amazing concert. Hey, could you tell me more about it?
- No entiendo completamente el informe. Necesito que me aclares un poco más ese tema.I don't fully understand the report. I need you to elaborate a bit more on that topic.
- Tu explicación es útil, pero ¿podrías profundizar un poco más? Me gustaría entender todos los aspectos.Your explanation is helpful, but could you delve a bit deeper? I would like to understand all the aspects.
- Me cuesta visualizarlo correctamente. Hazme el favor de explayarte un poco más, por favor.I'm having trouble visualizing it clearly. Do me the favor of elaborating a bit more, please.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are discussing a project in an office.
- ElenaMateo, el presupuesto es muy alto.Mateo, the budget is very high.
- MateoSí, pero incluye los materiales nuevos.Yes, but it includes the new materials.
- ElenaPor favor detalle los costos en el correo.Please elaborate on the costs in the email.
- MateoEstá bien, Elena, lo enviaré ahora.All right, Elena, I will send it now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries detalle, favor, por, CC BY-SA 4.0.
