Spanish Phrase
Explícame exactamente qué síntomas observas.
Meaning
A direct request for a precise description of the symptoms someone is experiencing. It conveys that the speaker wants a detailed, accurate account, not just a vague overview.
When to use
Use this sentence in medical or health‑related conversations—e.g., a doctor asking a patient, a caregiver checking on a family member, or a friend concerned about another’s wellbeing. It works in both formal and informal settings, though the informal imperative ‘explícame’ is more common in everyday speech.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Explícameexactamentequésíntomasobservas
Imperative + pronoun
‘Explícame’ is the informal (tú) imperative of ‘explicar’ with the object pronoun ‘me’ attached, meaning ‘explain to me’. The accent on the first ‘e’ is required.
Adverb ‘exactamente’
Adds precision; placed before the clause it modifies.
Interrogative ‘qué’
Introduces an indirect question and does not carry a question mark in the middle of the sentence.
Noun ‘síntomas’
Plural noun meaning ‘symptoms’; works as the direct object of ‘observar’.
Present indicative ‘observas’
Second‑person singular present of ‘observar’, used after ‘qué’ to ask about current observations.
🗨In Conversation
Explícame exactamente qué síntomas observas.
Explain to me exactly what symptoms you observe.
Tengo fiebre, tos seca y dolor de garganta.
I have a fever, a dry cough, and a sore throat.
✕Common Mistakes
Explicame exactamente qué síntomas observas.
Missing accent on the first ‘e’; the correct form is ‘Explícame’.
Explícame exactamente qué síntomas observas?
The question mark should close the whole sentence, not appear after ‘qué’. The sentence is a statement, not a direct question.
Explícame exactamente que síntomas observas.
‘Qué’ must carry an accent when it functions as an interrogative pronoun.
↔Alternatives
Dime con detalle los síntomas que notas.
Tell me in detail the symptoms you notice.
Descríbeme precisamente los síntomas que presentas.
Describe precisely the symptoms you present.
¿Podrías indicar qué síntomas tienes?
Could you indicate what symptoms you have?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries, health professionals value a thorough symptom description. Using ‘exactamente’ signals that you are taking the conversation seriously. If you are speaking to a doctor, you may switch to the formal imperative ‘Explíquele…’ or ‘Indíqueme…’ to match the higher level of politeness.