Consider whether the speaker makes an idea clear or narrates events.
The idea
Explicar makes a concept or process clear; contar can narrate a story or tell someone what happened.
| Verbo | Uso |
|---|---|
| explicar | aclarar una idea o un proceso |
| contar | narrar una historia o lo sucedido |
Examples
- La profesora explica la regla con dibujos.The teacher explains the rule with drawings.
- ¿Puedes explicar cómo funciona este reloj?Can you explain how this clock works?
- Les explicamos el plan antes de salir.We explain the plan to them before leaving.
- Mi abuelo cuenta historias junto al fuego.My grandfather tells stories by the fire.
- Te cuento lo que pasó en el mercado.I will tell you what happened at the market.
- La guía contó una anécdota del museo.The guide told an anecdote about the museum.
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Watch out
Both verbs have other uses, and a speaker can explain what happened by giving reasons rather than merely narrating it.
Try it yourself
Choose the form that best fits the context. La científica ___ el proceso paso a paso. (explica / cuenta)
Show answer or example answer
explica
explica: the scientist clarifies a process step by step.
Choose the form that best fits the context. Mi tío ___ una historia de su infancia. (explica / cuenta)
Show answer or example answer
cuenta
cuenta: the uncle narrates a childhood story.
Choose the form that best fits the context. ¿Me puedes ___ por qué cambia el clima? (explicar / contar)
Show answer or example answer
explicar
explicar: the question asks for reasons behind a change.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Spanish sentences where available. We keep your score.
Choose the form that best fits the context. La científica ___ el proceso paso a paso. (explica / cuenta)
Choose the form that best fits the context. Mi tío ___ una historia de su infancia. (explica / cuenta)
Choose the form that best fits the context. ¿Me puedes ___ por qué cambia el clima? (explicar / contar)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe a process and then tell a short anecdote.