Detallar

Detallar is a Spanish verb that means to present something in detail, to itemize, or to specify with precision. It is commonly used in professional writing, technical documentation, and everyday language when thorough description or enumeration is required.

Etymology and meaning: Detallar derives from the noun detalle, meaning a detail or item. The noun comes from the influence of the French détail, which in turn traces back to historical forms in medieval Romance languages. The verb detallar therefore carries the core sense of breaking something down into its individual parts or elements.

Grammar and usage: Detallar is a regular -ar verb. In the present tense: detallo, detallas, detalla, detallamos, detalláis, detallan. The preterite is detallé, detallaste, detalló, detallamos, detallas­teis, detallaron. The imperfect is detallaba, detallabas, detallaba, detallábamos, detallabais, detallaban. Subjunctive forms include detalle, detallemos, detalléis, detallen. The imperative is detalla (informal), detale (formal), detallad, detallen. It is often used with direct objects: detallar un plan, detallar los gastos, detallar pasos o requisitos.

Examples and context: In reports or proposals, one might say “El informe detalla los costos y las fechas de entrega.” In technical manuals, “Vamos a detallar cada procedimiento paso a paso.” The verb emphasizes itemization and thoroughness, and can be complemented by synonyms such as especificar, describir, or exponer con detalle, depending on the nuance desired.

See also: detalle, especificar, describir.