especifiquen

Especifiquen is a form of the Spanish verb especificar, which means to make something precise by giving details or identifying exact requirements. The word is commonly used when asking for clarification or details to avoid ambiguity, particularly in formal or technical contexts.

Grammatically, especifiquen can function as present subjunctive for the third-person plural (ellos/ellas/ustedes) or as the imperative form for ustedes. In subordinate clauses that require the subjunctive, you might see sentences like “Es importante que especifiquen los criterios.” When used as a direct command to a group, it appears as an imperative: “Ustedes especifiquen los requisitos.” The verb is a regular -car verb in the subjunctive series, with a spelling change in the yo form to maintain the hard c sound (especifique) and related forms (especifiques, especifiquemos, especifiquéis, especifiquen).

Usage notes include its prevalence in formal writing, contracts, guidelines, and requests for detailed information. It often appears in phrases such as “Especifiquen las condiciones,” “Especifiquen los plazos y costos,” or “Les solicitamos que especifiquen los datos necesarios.” The term emphasizes precision and exhaustive detail, reducing room for interpretation by clearly outlining exact parameters, requirements, or constraints. Etiquette and tone can influence its use, with more courteous formulations employing a dependent clause (por favor, especifiquen…) or a preceding verb like “solicitamos que especifiquen.”

Etymology traces especifiquen to especificar, from Latin specificare, derived from specificus meaning “particular, precise,” and ultimately linked to making an item or case distinct by specifying its aspects.