puntualizar
verbCEFR B2
What does “puntualizar” mean in English?
to clarify, to specify precisely
to clarify, to specify precisely (puntualizar que — adding a correction or precision to a prior account)
Example sentences
Quisiera puntualizar que los datos del informe corresponden exclusivamente al periodo 2021–2023.
I would like to specify that the data in the report correspond exclusively to the period 2021–2023.
El directivo tuvo que puntualizar sus declaraciones tras la rueda de prensa, ya que habían sido malinterpretadas.
The executive had to clarify his statements after the press conference, as they had been misunderstood.
Cabe puntualizar, a este respecto, que la normativa fue modificada con posterioridad a los hechos que se describen.
It should be noted, in this regard, that the regulation was modified after the events described.
How to use it
Puntualizar means 'to clarify precisely' or 'to specify' — adding a correction or precision to a prior account or claim. It is a formal register verb used when a speaker wants to correct a detail without completely rejecting what was said. Pattern: quisiera puntualizar que, puntualizar un aspecto, puntualizar a posteriori. Register note: more precise than aclarar (to clarify — broader correction); more gentle than corregir (to correct — implies error). The adverb a posteriori often pairs with puntualizar.
Common mistake
Puntualizar ≠ precisar: both mean 'to specify/clarify' but puntualizar implies correcting a specific detail in a prior statement, while precisar implies adding technical precision to a claim. Also: puntualizar que takes indicative (asserting a clarifying fact), not subjunctive.