Ace Your A Level Spanish 2025 – ¡Vamos a Romperla con Estilo!

The verb "referirse (ie) a" translates specifically to "to refer to." This expression is commonly used in both written and spoken Spanish when someone is indicating or mentioning a specific subject, idea, or object. It suggests a direct connection to the topic being discussed.

For example, in a sentence like "Ella se refiere a la película que vimos," it clearly means "She is referring to the movie we watched." The verb emphasizes pointing out or indicating rather than discussing in a broader context, which is why it does not extend to meanings like "to talk about," "to listen to," or "to ask about." Each of these alternatives carries a different nuance and implication in conversation that does not align with the precise meaning of "referirse."