Introduction
Learning how to express clarification and explanation in Spanish is one of the most practical skills for intermediate learners. When speaking Spanish, you will often find yourself searching for the right words to explain what you really mean or to clarify a previous statement. The phrase What I’m trying to say is has several Spanish equivalents that native speakers use regularly in conversation, writing, and professional communication. Understanding these expressions will help you communicate more naturally and effectively in Spanish, allowing you to pause, reorganize your thoughts, and ensure your message is understood correctly. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most common ways to express this concept in Spanish, provide detailed examples, and help you choose the right phrase for any situation.
The Most Common Spanish Equivalent
Lo que intento decir es
The most direct and widely understood translation of What I’m trying to say is would be Lo que intento decir es. This phrase breaks down into manageable components: lo que meaning what, intento meaning I try or I attempt, decir meaning to say, and es meaning is. This structure is formal enough for professional settings while remaining natural in casual conversation.
Example usage:
Lo que intento decir es que necesitamos cambiar nuestra estrategia.
What I’m trying to say is that we need to change our strategy.
Another practical example:
Lo que intento decir es que no estoy en desacuerdo contigo, solo tengo una perspectiva diferente.
What I’m trying to say is that I don’t disagree with you, I just have a different perspective.
Lo que quiero decir es
A slightly softer alternative is Lo que quiero decir es, which replaces intento with quiero meaning I want. This phrase is equally popular and often feels more natural in everyday Spanish conversation. The difference is subtle but Lo que quiero decir es can sometimes feel slightly more direct or emphatic than its counterpart.
Example:
Lo que quiero decir es que las cosas podrían ser mejores si trabajamos juntos.
What I’m trying to say is that things could be better if we work together.
Alternative Expressions and Variations
Lo que trato de decir es
Lo que trato de decir es is another excellent option that uses the verb tratar meaning to try or to attempt. The structure tratar de followed by an infinitive is very common in Spanish. This phrase has approximately the same meaning and formality level as Lo que intento decir es but may sound slightly more natural to some Spanish speakers.
Example:
Lo que trato de decir es que debemos ser más cuidadosos con nuestras palabras.
What I’m trying to say is that we should be more careful with our words.
O sea
For a more informal and conversational approach, many Spanish speakers use O sea, which literally translates to or rather or that is to say. This phrase is extremely common in everyday Spanish and is used to introduce a clarification or rephrasing of what was just said. While it’s more casual than the previous expressions, it’s universally understood and used across Spanish-speaking regions.
Example:
Creo que podría haber una mejor manera de hacerlo, o sea, algo más eficiente.
I think there could be a better way to do it, or rather, something more efficient.
Another example:
No me gusta ese proyecto, o sea, no creo que sea la mejor opción para nosotros.
I don’t like that project, that is to say, I don’t think it’s the best option for us.
Quiero decir
Quiero decir is the simplified version using just the verb quiero and decir. This shorter form is very natural and commonly heard in Spanish conversations. It carries the same meaning but with fewer words, making it ideal for quick clarifications during dialogue.
Example:
Creo que ella no está siendo honesta, quiero decir, sus acciones no coinciden con sus palabras.
I think she’s not being honest, I mean, her actions don’t match her words.
Dicho de otra manera
When you want to rephrase something completely, Dicho de otra manera is perfect. This phrase literally means said in another way and is used when you want to explain the same concept using different words. It’s professional and clear, often used in educational or formal contexts.
Example:
El proyecto tiene demasiados gastos, dicho de otra manera, el presupuesto no es realista.
The project has too many expenses, in other words, the budget isn’t realistic.
Regional Variations and Cultural Notes
Spanish varies significantly across different regions and countries. In Latin America, phrases like O sea and Lo que quiero decir es tend to dominate casual conversation. In Spain, you might hear Vamos or Bueno used as quick interjections before clarifications. Argentine Spanish speakers frequently use O sea with an almost musical intonation that adds emphasis to their clarification.
Mexican Spanish speakers often use Es decir, which literally means that is to say. This phrase works well in both formal and informal settings and is understood throughout all Spanish-speaking countries.
Example:
Los clientes necesitan más soporte, es decir, debemos mejorar nuestro servicio al cliente.
The clients need more support, that is to say, we need to improve our customer service.
Choosing the Right Expression for Your Situation
For Formal and Professional Communication
In business emails, meetings, or formal presentations, opt for Lo que intento decir es, Lo que quiero decir es, or Dicho de otra manera. These expressions sound polished and professional while remaining clear and understandable.
For Casual Conversations
When chatting with friends or family, O sea, Quiero decir, or simply Es decir work wonderfully. These shorter phrases feel natural and authentic in everyday dialogue without sounding overly formal.
When You Need Emphasis
If you want to really emphasize your clarification, use Lo que trato de decir es or Lo que intento decir es. These slightly longer phrases signal that your upcoming statement is particularly important or nuanced.
Practical Examples in Context
Let’s examine how these phrases function in longer conversations:
Conversation one:
Speaker A: Creo que necesitamos un cambio en el equipo.
Speaker B: Lo que intento decir es que algunas personas no están rindiendo al nivel que esperamos, y eso afecta a todo el grupo.
Speaker A: Ah, entiendo. ¿Quién específicamente?
Speaker B: Bueno, es un tema general, no solo una persona.
Conversation two:
Speaker A: No me gustó la reunión de hoy.
Speaker B: O sea, ¿no te pareció productiva?
Speaker A: Exacto, quiero decir, pasamos dos horas sin tomar ninguna decisión real.
Conversation three:
Speaker A: El nuevo software es complicado.
Speaker B: Dicho de otra manera, necesitamos más capacitación antes de implementarlo completamente.
Speaker A: Sí, eso es exactamente lo que pienso.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many English speakers make the mistake of translating word-for-word and saying something like Lo que estoy intentando de decir, which is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is Lo que intento decir or Lo que trato de decir.
Another common error is overusing Lo que quiero decir es when a shorter phrase would be more natural. Spanish speakers often prefer brevity in casual conversation, so O sea or Quiero decir might be more appropriate in many situations.
Don’t confuse decir with hablar. While hablar means to speak in general, decir specifically means to say something, making it the correct choice for these clarification phrases.
Conclusion
Mastering the various ways to say What I’m trying to say is in Spanish opens doors to clearer communication and more natural-sounding dialogue. From the professional Lo que intento decir es to the casual O sea, each phrase serves a purpose and context. By understanding when and where to use these expressions, you’ll sound more like a native speaker and be better equipped to navigate conversations with confidence. Practice using these phrases in your daily Spanish interactions, paying attention to which ones feel most natural to you and which resonate with the native speakers you interact with. With consistent practice and awareness of regional variations, these clarification techniques will become second nature in your Spanish communication toolkit.
