deletrear algo

to spell something

USAGE NOTE

The indefinite pronoun "algo" ("something") can be replaced in this phrase with a noun, a pronoun, a phrase, etc., as shown in the examples.

deletrear algo(deh-leh-treh-ahr ahl-goh)

intransitive verb phrase

1. (to write or say the letters of something)

a. to spell something

Mi apellido es Wainwright. Mucha gente no sabe deletrearlo.

My family name is Wainwright. Many people can't spell it.

Los niños están aprendiendo a deletrear palabras.

The children are learning to spell words.

b. to spell something out (aloud)

No entendí su nombre. ¿Podría deletreármelo, por favor?

I didn't catch your name. Could you spell it out for me, please?

Norma se paró y deletreó la palabra que estaba escrita en el pizarrón.

Norma stood up and spelled out the word that was written on the blackboard.