Explicármelo

Explicármelo is a Spanish verb phrase formed by the verb explicar plus the clitic pronouns me and lo, meaning “to explain it to me.” In this construction, me is the indirect object (to me) and lo is the direct object (it). It is commonly used to request clarification or a detailed explanation of something that was mentioned or is unknown.

Grammatical and orthographic notes: explicármelo can attach to an infinitive, forming explicármelo (to explain it to me). It also appears in other non-finite forms such as explicándomelo (explaining it to me) and in imperative forms like explícamelo (explain it to me, informal tu) or explíquemelo (explain it to me, formal usted). When attached to the verb, the combination preserves the original stress pattern of explicar, which in this case requires an accent on the a: explicármelo.

Usage and nuance: the phrase is neutral and versatile, suitable for requests in spoken and written Spanish. It can be used in informal contexts, for example, Podrías explicármelo? (“Could you explain it to me?”), and in formal settings, ¿Podría explicármelo, por favor? The structure is common for other verbs with two clitic pronouns, and it often appears in everyday discourse to seek clarification, justification, or a step-by-step explanation.

Etymology: explicármelo comes from explicar, itself from Latin explicare (to unfold, to explain). The clitic pronouns me and lo have been integrated into a single lexical form through standard Spanish clitic attachment rules.

See also: use of clitic pronouns in infinitives and imperatives, and related forms like explicarlo (explain it) or explicárselo (explain it to him/her/you).