especificar
verbUpper-intermediate
What does “especificar” mean in English?
to specify, to detail
to specify, to detail (especificar + noun — state exactly, lay down conditions)
Example sentences
El contrato especifica las condiciones de pago, los plazos de entrega y las penalizaciones por incumplimiento.
The contract specifies the payment conditions, delivery deadlines, and penalties for non-compliance.
La convocatoria no especifica si los candidatos deben tener experiencia previa en el sector.
The call does not specify whether candidates need prior experience in the sector.
El reglamento especifica que toda solicitud debe presentarse en formato digital antes del plazo establecido.
The regulation specifies that all applications must be submitted in digital format before the stated deadline.
How to use it
Especificar means 'to specify' or 'to state precisely'. It is transitive: especificar las condiciones, especificar los requisitos. Common in formal, legal, and technical writing. Key constructions: el contrato especifica que... (the contract specifies that...); sin especificar (without specifying). Near-synonyms: detallar (to detail — more about listing), precisar (to clarify precisely — more about removing ambiguity), determinar (to determine — more decisive).
Common mistake
Especificar vs. aclarar: especificar adds precision to something not yet stated; aclarar removes existing confusion. Both can follow 'the document...'. In formal writing, especificar is preferred when listing exact requirements. Note: el reglamento especifica que + subjunctive (not indicative) when it is an obligation.
Topics
Related Upper-intermediate words
Reference
This entry’s teaching guidance follows Plan Curricular del Instituto Cervantes (Instituto Cervantes), B2 Funciones 7.13.