Spanish Phrase
¿Puedes explicarlo un poco más?
Meaning
A polite request meaning ‘Can you explain it a little more?’ It asks the listener to give a clearer or more detailed explanation of something that has already been mentioned.
When to use
Use this phrase when you understand the general idea but need additional details, examples, or clarification—whether in a classroom, a meeting, or a casual conversation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Puedesexplicarlounpocomás?
Poder (present)
‘Puedes’ is the second‑person singular present of the verb *poder* and means ‘you can/are able to’. It is used for polite requests.
Infinitive + direct object pronoun
‘Explicarlo’ combines the infinitive *explicar* with the attached direct‑object pronoun *lo* (it), meaning ‘to explain it’.
Quantifier ‘un poco’
‘Un poco’ literally means ‘a little’; together with ‘más’ it forms the comparative ‘a little more’.
Comparative adverb ‘más’
‘Más’ is the comparative form of *mucho* and is used here to ask for a greater amount of explanation.
🗨In Conversation
¿Puedes explicarlo un poco más?
Can you explain it a little more?
Claro, lo que quería decir es que…
Sure, what I meant is that…
✕Common Mistakes
¿Puedes explicarlo un poco más?
For extra politeness many speakers prefer the conditional *podrías*.
¿Puedes explicarlo un poco mas?
The word *más* needs an accent; without it the meaning changes to ‘but’.
¿Puedes explicar lo un poco más?
Do not split the pronoun from the infinitive; *explicarlo* stays together.
↔Alternatives
¿Podrías explicarlo con más detalle?
Could you explain it in more detail?
¿Me lo puedes aclarar un poco más?
Can you clarify it a bit more for me?
¿Puedes darme un ejemplo?
Can you give me an example?
Cultural Tip
In Spanish‑speaking cultures, adding a conditional (*¿Podrías…?*) makes the request sound even more courteous. Also, remember to keep eye contact and a friendly tone; asking for clarification is seen as a sign of interest, not ignorance.