comprende
/kom-PREN-de/
understands
When someone comprende (understands) something, they have a clear realization.
comprende(verb)
understands
?cognitive grasp
,comprehends
?formal understanding
gets it
?informal
📝 In Action
Ella comprende la situación perfectamente.
A1She understands the situation perfectly.
Mi jefe no comprende el problema de la logística.
A2My boss doesn't understand the logistics problem.
Si usted comprende las reglas, podemos empezar.
A2If you (formal) understand the rules, we can start.
💡 Grammar Points
Verb Ending Pattern
Since 'comprender' is an -ER verb, its 'he/she/it' form in the present tense always ends in -E, just like 'come' (eats) or 'bebe' (drinks).
Formal 'You'
Remember that 'usted' (the formal way to say 'you') always uses the same verb form as 'él' or 'ella', so 'usted comprende' means 'you understand'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Tenses
Mistake: "Él comprendió ahora."
Correction: Él comprende ahora. ('Comprendió' is the past tense; 'comprende' is the present.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Comprender vs. Entender
These two verbs are often interchangeable, but 'comprender' sometimes implies a deeper, more intellectual understanding, while 'entender' is used more broadly.
The word comprende can also mean that something comprises or includes several parts.
comprende(verb)
comprises
?includes or consists of
,includes
?contains within its scope
encompasses
?covers a wide area
📝 In Action
La oferta de trabajo comprende el salario y los beneficios.
B2The job offer includes the salary and the benefits.
Este parque nacional comprende una gran variedad de vida silvestre.
C1This national park comprises a wide variety of wildlife.
¿Qué comprende exactamente el precio total?
B2What exactly does the total price include?
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Scope
When used in this sense, 'comprende' usually describes what a specific thing (like a document, region, or package) contains or covers.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use 'Incluir' for Simplicity
In most casual situations, Spanish speakers prefer 'incluir' (to include) instead of 'comprender' when talking about content, reserving 'comprender' for more official or extensive listings.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: comprende
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'comprende' to mean 'includes'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'comprende' the same as 'entiende'?
For most everyday conversations, yes, they are synonyms meaning 'understands.' 'Comprender' can sometimes feel slightly more formal or suggest a deeper, more complete grasp of a topic.
How do I know if 'comprende' means 'he understands' or 'understand!'?
Context is key! If 'comprende' is at the beginning of a sentence, often with an exclamation mark (¡Comprende!), it is likely the 'tú' command ('Understand!'). If it follows a subject like 'él,' 'ella,' or 'usted,' it means 'he/she/you understands.'