Spanish Phrase
Describe el problema con precisión.
Meaning
The sentence is a direct command asking someone to give a clear, exact description of the problem at hand. It stresses the need for accuracy rather than a vague or general overview.
When to use
Use this phrase in work meetings, technical support calls, classroom discussions, or any situation where a precise diagnosis is required. It is informal, so reserve it for peers, teammates, or people you address with ‘tú’. For a formal setting, switch to the usted imperative: ‘Describa el problema con precisión.’
✦Grammar Breakdown
Describeelproblemaconprecisión
Imperative (tú) form
‘Describe’ is the informal second‑person singular imperative of the verb describir, used to give a direct command.
Definite article
‘el’ is the masculine singular definite article that agrees with ‘problema’, a masculine noun.
Prepositional phrase with ‘con’
‘con precisión’ means ‘with precision’; ‘con’ introduces the manner in which the action should be performed.
Noun ‘precisión’
‘precisión’ is a feminine noun meaning ‘accuracy’ or ‘exactness’; it does not change in the prepositional phrase.
🗨In Conversation
¿Puedes ayudarme a redactar el informe?
Can you help me write the report?
Claro, describe el problema con precisión.
Sure, describe the problem accurately.
✕Common Mistakes
Describe el problema con preciso.
‘Preciso’ is an adjective meaning ‘necessary’ or ‘precise (as a quality)’, not the noun needed after ‘con’. Use ‘precisión’ instead.
Describe el problema con precisión, señor.
If you need a formal tone, the correct form is ‘Describa’ (usted). Using ‘Describe’ with a stranger can sound too casual.
Describe problema con precisión.
Dropping the article makes the phrase sound incomplete; Spanish normally requires the definite article before a specific noun.
↔Alternatives
Explica el problema con detalle.
Explain the problem in detail.
Detalla el problema con exactitud.
Detail the problem with exactness.
Describa el problema con precisión.
Describe the problem accurately. (formal)
Cultural Tip
In Spanish‑speaking workplaces, the level of formality is signalled by the verb form. ‘Describe’ (tú) is friendly and common among colleagues, while ‘Describa’ (usted) shows respect to a client, a senior, or anyone you don’t know well. Also, avoid over‑using ‘precisión’; native speakers may simply say ‘Describe el problema bien.’