spiegare
/spjeˈɡa.re/
To explain in Italian is spiegare.
The verb spiegare means to make something clear or easy to understand by describing it in detail. You might also use the term chiarire when your specific goal is to clarify a point.
What does it mean word for word?
Etymologically, spiegare is related to the act of unfolding or spreading something out, such as a cloth or a map.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you explain something to someone, the person receiving the explanation is used as an indirect object, which is typically introduced by the preposition a.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable. The IPA is /spjeˈɡa.re/.
Did you know?
- In Italian, spiegare is used not only for ideas but also for physical actions, such as when a bird opens its wings, which is spiegare le ali.
- The word spiegare is a linguistic sibling to the English word 'explicit'. Both originate from the Latin root meaning to unfold or unroll a scroll.
- Because it comes from the idea of 'unfolding', you can use spiegare to describe the act of spreading out a sail or a piece of fabric.
Examples in context
- Posso illustrare i dettagli del progetto?May I explain the project details?
- Ti racconto come funziona questa applicazioneLet me explain how this app works
- Il professore ha illustrato i punti chiave della lezione durante la conferenza.The professor explained the key points of the lecture during the conference.
- Puoi spiegarmi questo?Can you explain this to me?
- Il professore deve spiegare la lezione ancora una volta.The professor needs to explain the lesson one more time.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Martina are at a cafe discussing a complicated map.
- AlessandroMartina, non capisco questa mappa.Martina, I don't understand this map.
- MartinaTi posso spiegare io il percorso.I can explain the route to you.
- AlessandroGrazie, grazie mille per l'aiuto.Thank you, thanks a lot for the help.
- MartinaDi nulla, Alessandro, figurati!You're welcome, Alessandro, don't mention it!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry spiegare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries spiegare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
