Inklingo

comprensión

/kom-pren-SYOHN/

understanding

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

Comprensión can mean the 'aha!' moment of understanding a new concept.

comprensión(noun)

fB1

understanding

?

the ability to grasp a concept or idea

,

comprehension

?

often used in educational contexts like reading tests

Also:

insight

?

a deep understanding of a specific situation

📝 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

💡 Grammar Points

Identifying Feminine Words

Words that end in '-ción' are almost always feminine in Spanish. You should use 'la' or 'una' with them.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Don't Forget the Accent

Mistake: "comprension"

Correction: comprensión (The accent on the 'o' is necessary because the stress falls on the last syllable).

⭐ Usage Tips

The 'Reading' Connection

In a classroom, you'll almost always see this paired with 'lectora' (reading) or 'auditiva' (listening).

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

Comprensión also refers to the empathy and patience shown toward others.

comprensión(noun)

fB2

empathy

?

showing sympathy or patience toward someone

,

understanding

?

being tolerant of someone's situation

📝 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

  • empatía (empathy)
  • tolerancia (tolerance)

Common Collocations

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

⭐ Usage Tips

Social Context

Use this word when someone is going through a hard time and you want to thank them for being patient or vice-versa.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: comprensión

Question 1 of 2

Which of these is a 'comprensión lectora' test?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

comprender(to understand) - verb

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.