explicarme

Explicarme is the infinitive form of the Spanish verb phrase formed by explicar plus the clitic pronoun me. It can express two related ideas depending on context: “to explain to me” and “to explain myself.” When used with another verb, it indicates that the explanation is targeted at the speaker (the indirect object): for example, ¿Podrías explicarme esto? = Could you explain this to me? In a reflexive sense, it can mean to justify or defend one’s actions: tengo que explicarme ante la dirección = I have to explain myself to the management.

Etymology and form: Explicar comes from Latin explicare, meaning “to unfold, to explain.” The clitic me marks the recipient of the explanation or the person before whom the speaker is explaining. The infinitive form allows it to attach to conjugated verbs (podría explicarme, quiero explicarme) or to appear in the non-finite clause with other verbs. In imperative mood, the corresponding form is Explícame = Explain to me.

Usage notes: Explicarme is common in both everyday spoken Spanish and formal writing, with the intended recipient clear from context or the accompanying words. When a direct object is involved, it can appear as explicármelo, explicármelo, etc., to mean “explain it to me.” The sense “explain myself” occurs in contexts where the speaker needs to justify or clarify their actions, often with a preposition or in a finite clause: Me voy a explicar ante mis colegas.

See also: explicar, explicarse, pronombres átonos.