Mixing up moods

'Entienda' is the special form (subjunctive) you must use after words that express feelings, wishes, or doubt, like 'espero que' (I hope that) or 'dudo que' (I doubt that).

Using 'Entienda' for Feelings

The verb 'entender' is irregular. The 'e' in the middle changes to 'ie' in most present forms, including 'entienda', but not in the 'we' (nosotros) form: 'entendamos'.

The Stem Change

Use 'entienda' when the sentence involves Wishes, Emotions, Impersonal expressions, Requests, Doubt, or Ojalá (WEIRDO). These trigger the special verb form.

The 'WEIRDO' Rule

Extremely common, as it is a core form of the highly frequent verb 'entender' (to understand).

Using the wrong 'you'

To give a polite command to someone you call 'Usted' (formal 'you'), you use the same form as the present subjunctive: 'entienda'. If you were speaking informally ('tú'), you would say 'entiende'.

Formal Commands

To tell someone formally *not* to do something, you also use 'entienda': 'No entienda eso' (Don't understand that).

Negative Commands

Whenever you need to be professional or polite (using Usted), remember that 'entienda' is the correct way to issue a direct command or instruction.

Politeness Key

Commonly used when addressing someone formally or politely.

'Entienda' is a form of the verb 'entender' (to understand). Learn its two main uses: as the present subjunctive (for wishes and doubt) and as the formal 'Usted' command (Understand!). Includes full conjugation and usage tips.

entienda

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations