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"Explicar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to explain", and "explicarse" is a pronominal verb which is often translated as "to explain oneself". Learn more about the difference between "explicar" and "explicarse" below.
explicar(
ehks
-
plee
-
kahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to teach
La profesora explicó la primera lección del libro en clase.The teacher taught the first lesson of the book in class.
b. to lecture in
El profesor explicó la teoría de la relatividad.The teacher lectured in the theory of relativity.
explicarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to explain oneself
¿Qué quiere decir con eso? Explíquese.What do you mean by that? Explain yourself.
a. to understand
No se explican cómo los ladrones pudieron entrar al banco.They can't understand how the thieves broke into the bank.
5. (to express)
a. to make oneself understood
Nadie está siguiendo mis instrucciones; no he conseguido explicarme.Nobody is following my instructions; I failed to make myself understood.
explicarse(
ehks
-
plee
-
kahr
-
seh
)A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to explain oneself
¿Qué quiere decir con eso? Explíquese.What do you mean by that? Explain yourself.
a. to understand
No se explican cómo los ladrones pudieron entrar al banco.They can't understand how the thieves broke into the bank.
3. (to express)
a. to make oneself understood
Nadie está siguiendo mis instrucciones; no he conseguido explicarme.Nobody is following my instructions; I failed to make myself understood.
explicar
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to teach
La profesora explicó la primera lección del libro en clase.The teacher taught the first lesson of the book in class.
b. to lecture in
El profesor explicó la teoría de la relatividad.The teacher lectured in the theory of relativity.
