Inklingo

comprensión

kom-pren-SYOHN/kompɾenˈsjon/

comprensión means understanding in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

understanding, comprehension

Also: insight
NounfB1
A person with a glowing lightbulb appearing above their head as they look at a complex puzzle piece fitting perfectly into a gap.

📝 In Action

La comprensión de este libro es difícil para los niños.

A2

Understanding this book is difficult for children.

Necesitamos mejorar nuestra comprensión del problema.

B1

We need to improve our understanding of the problem.

Hoy tenemos un examen de comprensión auditiva.

B1

Today we have a listening comprehension exam.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • entendimiento (understanding/reason)
  • asimilación (assimilation/taking in info)

Antonyms

  • incomprensión (lack of understanding)
  • confusión (confusion)

Common Collocations

  • comprensión lectorareading comprehension
  • falta de comprensiónlack of understanding

empathy, understanding

NounfB2
Two people sitting on a bench, one person kindly placing a hand on the other's shoulder in a gesture of support.

📝 In Action

Agradezco mucho tu comprensión.

B1

I really appreciate your understanding (patience/empathy).

Faltó comprensión por parte de los jefes.

B2

There was a lack of understanding from the bosses.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • pedir comprensiónto ask for understanding/patience
  • mostrar comprensiónto show empathy

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "comprensión" in Spanish:

comprehension

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: comprensión

Question 1 of 2

Which of these is a 'comprensión lectora' test?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
atencióndecisiónpasión
📚 Etymology

From the Latin word 'comprehensio', which means 'a seizing' or 'a grasping'. It comes from 'prehendere' (to catch/grab), suggesting the mind is 'grabbing' the meaning of something.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: comprehensionFrench: compréhensionItalian: comprensione

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'comprensión' and 'entendimiento'?

They are very similar! 'Comprensión' is often used for the process of grasping information or showing empathy, while 'entendimiento' can feel a bit more formal or refer to the faculty of human reason itself.

Does 'comprensión' always need an accent?

Yes, in its singular form it always has an accent on the 'ó'. However, if you make it plural ('comprensiones'), the accent is removed because the stress shifts naturally.