comprender
/kom-pren-DER/
understand
When you comprender (understand) something, the information clicks into place.
comprender(verb)
understand
?to mentally grasp information
,get
?informal: to understand
fathom
?deep understanding
📝 In Action
No comprendo la pregunta del profesor.
A1I don't understand the professor's question.
¿Comprendes lo que te estoy diciendo?
A2Do you understand what I am telling you?
Comprendieron la complejidad del problema después de leer el informe.
B1They grasped the complexity of the problem after reading the report.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Comprender' vs. 'Entender'
'Comprender' often suggests a deeper, more complete grasp of a complex topic, while 'entender' is used for general comprehension or hearing what someone says. In daily conversation, they are often interchangeable.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Comprender' and 'Saber'
Mistake: "Using 'Sé la lección' when you mean 'I understand the lesson.'"
Correction: Use 'Comprendo la lección.' 'Saber' means 'to know facts' or 'to know how to do something,' not 'to understand a concept.'
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with 'No'
When you don't understand something, use the simple negative: 'No comprendo.' This is polite and direct.
This box comprende (includes) all the shapes within it.
comprender(verb)
include
?to contain or be composed of
,comprise
?to encompass several parts
embrace
?to cover a wide area or scope
📝 In Action
El territorio del parque nacional comprende varios ecosistemas.
B2The national park's territory includes several ecosystems.
La propuesta comprende todos los puntos que discutimos.
C1The proposal comprises all the points we discussed.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Context
In this meaning, 'comprender' is often found in official reports, geographical descriptions, or formal definitions, similar to how 'comprise' is used in English.
To comprender (be understanding) means showing empathy and support.
comprender(verb)
be understanding
?to show empathy
,sympathize
?to understand someone's feelings
be tolerant
?to accept difficulties
📝 In Action
Mi jefe me comprendió cuando tuve que irme temprano.
B2My boss was understanding (of me) when I had to leave early.
Debemos comprender la frustración de nuestros clientes.
C1We must understand (empathize with) our clients' frustration.
Si comprendieras mi situación, no me juzgarías.
C1If you understood my situation (had empathy), you wouldn't judge me.
💡 Grammar Points
Emotional Context
When used for feelings, 'comprender' focuses on mentally connecting with someone's circumstances, often implying forgiveness or tolerance. You are grasping their emotional reality.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: comprender
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'comprender' in the sense of 'to include'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'comprender' a stem-changing verb?
No, 'comprender' is a completely regular verb. Unlike 'entender' (which changes 'e' to 'ie'), 'comprender' keeps the 'e' in its stem ('comprend-') throughout all its conjugations.
Can I use 'comprender' and 'entender' interchangeably?
Yes, in most everyday situations, especially when asking if someone 'gets it,' they are interchangeable. However, 'comprender' often carries a nuance of deeper, more intellectual understanding, while 'entender' is more common for basic communication.