Aclarar vs. clarificar vs. esclarecer
The Spanish verbs 'aclarar', 'clarificar', and 'esclarecer' all translate to 'to clarify' in English, indicating the action of making something clearer or easier to understand. However, their usage is slightly different.
Aclarar
'Aclarar' is a versatile verb often used in the context of making something clear or understandable, but can also mean to lighten or clear up.
Necesito que me aclares esta situación.
(I need you to clarify this situation for me.)
Voy a aclarar el color de mi cabello.
(I'm going to lighten the color of my hair.)
Clarificar
'Clarificar' is less used and is typically reserved for formal contexts. It's also regularly used in cooking to mean 'to make clean or pure'.
El abogado clarificó los términos del contrato.
(The lawyer clarified the terms of the contract.)
Hay que clarificar la mantequilla para hacer pastelería.
(You have to clarify the butter to bake pastries.)
Esclarecer
'Esclarecer' usually means 'to shed light on', sometimes used when talking about solving mysteries or getting to the bottom of something complex.
La policía ha esclarecido el crimen.
(The police have shed light on the crime.)
La profesora intentó esclarecer el problema matemático.
(The teacher tried to shed light on the mathematical problem.)
Summary
'Aclarar', 'clarificar', and 'esclarecer' all share a common general meaning, which is 'to make clear'. However, their usage varies. 'Aclarar' is a more everyday term, while 'clarificar' is generally reserved for more formal or specialized contexts, like legal terms and cooking. 'Esclarecer', on the other hand, is often used when talking about getting to the bottom of something that's complex or mysterious.