Spell out Meaning in English
expression
ˈspɛɫ/ /ˈaʊt
SPEL-OWT
spˈɛl/ /ˈaʊt
spel-OWT
Definition
To say or write the letters of a word in order, or to explain something very clearly and in detail.
Usage & Nuances
Can be literal (naming the letters) or metaphorical (explaining in simple terms). Often used when someone needs extra clarity. Common with requests: 'Could you spell that out?' Also, 'spell it out for someone' means to make something very clear.
Spanish: deletrear - explicar claramentePortuguese (BR): soletrar - explicar detalhadamentePortuguese (PT): soletrar - explicar detalhadamenteChinese (Simplified): 拼写 - 详细说明Chinese (Traditional): 拼寫 - 詳細說明Hindi: हिज्जे करना - साफ़-साफ़ समझानाArabic: تهجّى - شرح بالتفصيلBengali: অক্ষর ধরে ধরে বলা - স্পষ্টভাবে বোঝানোRussian: по буквам сказать - разъяснитьJapanese: 一字ずつ言う - はっきり説明するVietnamese: đánh vần - giải thích chi tiếtKorean: 철자를 말하다 - 아주 자세히 설명하다Turkish: harf harf söylemek - açıkça açıklamakUrdu: حروف الگ الگ بیان کرنا - وضاحت سے سمجھاناIndonesian: mengeja satu per satu - menjelaskan secara rinci
Example Sentences
Can you spell out your name for me?
basic
She asked the teacher to spell out the instructions.
basic
Please spell out each letter slowly.
basic
Do I really need to spell it out for you?
natural
Let me spell out what will happen if you’re late.
natural
He didn’t get it until I spelled it out for him.
natural