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spiegare

to explain

verb spyeh-GAH-reh Common

Origin: Latin explicare (to unfold)

Usage Note

Spiegare is a regular first-conjugation verb taking avere. It requires c→ch spelling before -i/-e: spiego, spieghi, spiega… The reflexive spiegarsi means 'to express oneself clearly' (non mi spiego = I can't make myself understood / I can't figure it out). A very common classroom and everyday word.

Examples

"Mi puoi spiegare questa regola?"

Natural Translation

Can you explain this rule to me?

Literal Translation

To-me can you explain this rule

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