verbalizar

Verbalizar is a verb used in Spanish and Portuguese to express something in words, to articulate thoughts, feelings, or information. The term derives from the Latin verbum (“word”) and the suffix -alizar, forming a word that means to make something verbal. Its core meaning is to convert nonverbal content into spoken or written language, or to state something explicitly.

In everyday use, verbalizar denotes voicing an opinion, describing a plan, or responding verbally. In professional or academic contexts, it can mean documenting information verbally for communication or record-keeping, or presenting an idea clearly. In psychology and education, the concept of verbalización (Spanish) or verbalização (Portuguese) refers to the process of bringing inner experiences into language, a practice that can aid reflection, communication, and therapeutic outcomes. Therapists may encourage clients to verbalizar emotions or memories to facilitate processing.

Grammatically, verbalizar is a transitive verb: verbalizar algo (to verbalize something). The corresponding noun is la verbalización (Spanish) or a verbalização (Portuguese). Synonyms include expresar, articular, enunciar, declarar; antonyms include silenciar or callar. The term is widely used across genres, from casual conversation to formal discourse and clinical settings, with slight regional preferences in wording.

Cross-language note: in Portuguese, the verb is also verbalizar, and the noun is verbalização; in English-language texts the closest equivalent is “to verbalize.” Related concepts include articulation, expression, and enunciation.