aclarar
/aklaˈɾaɾ/
The English phrase 'shed some light' is translated into Spanish as aclarar.
While you can use aclarar alone, it is common to say aclarar las cosas to mean 'to clear things up' in a social or situational context.
Which one should you use?
Depending on the context, aclarar can mean either 'to clarify/explain' or 'to whiten/lighten', such as when talking about hair or a color.
How do you pronounce it?
/aklaˈɾaɾ/
Did you know?
- Spanish speakers often use the related phrase poner las cartas sobre la mesa to 'shed light' on a hidden truth by being honest.
- While aclarar means 'to clarify', the word claro is used to say 'of course' or 'obviously' in a conversation.
- The word aclarar is used by hairdressers to mean 'to bleach' hair, a process that literally involves removing pigment to make the hair lighter.
Examples in context
- La presentación del experto arrojó luz sobre el tema.The expert's presentation shed some light on the topic.
- El informe del investigador iluminó la situación problemática.The researcher's report shed some light on the problematic situation.
- Voy a echar luz sobre el asunto para que lo entiendas mejor.I'm going to shed some light on the matter so that you understand it better.
- ¿Podría aclarar este punto?Could you clarify this point?
- Necesito aclarar este punto de la reunión.I need to shed some light on this point of the meeting.
- ¿Podrías aclarar el proceso de registro?Could you shed some light on the registration process?
- Sus comentarios van a aclarar la situación.His comments are going to shed some light on the situation.
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are discussing a confusing project report in an office.
- LucíaAlejandro, este informe es muy confuso.Alejandro, this report is very confusing.
- Alejandro¿Qué necesitas que te explique?What do you need me to explain?
- LucíaPor favor, intenta aclarar los datos de ventas.Please, try to shed some light on the sales data.
- AlejandroClaro, lo revisaré ahora mismo.Sure, I will check it right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry aclarar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
