entender
/en-ten-DEHR/
to understand
Use entender (to understand) to describe grasping a fact or a concept, like having a bright idea click into place.
entender(Verb)
to understand
?grasping information or meaning
to comprehend
?a slightly more formal synonym
,to get
?informal, as in 'I get it'
📝 In Action
No entiendo la pregunta.
A1I don't understand the question.
¿Entiendes lo que digo?
A2Do you understand what I'm saying?
Por fin entendí la película después de verla dos veces.
B1I finally understood the movie after watching it twice.
💡 Grammar Points
A Shape-Shifting Verb (e → ie)
Notice how the 'e' in 'entender' changes to 'ie' in some forms, like 'yo entiendo' (I understand). But it stays as an 'e' when you talk about 'nosotros' (we) or 'vosotros' (you all, in Spain): 'entendemos'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
'Entender' vs. 'Comprender'
Mistake: "Using 'comprender' for simple facts."
Correction: Both words mean 'to understand', and you can often use them interchangeably! But there's a small difference: use 'entender' for grasping facts or information ('¿Entiendes la dirección?'). Use 'comprender' for a deeper, more empathetic understanding of a situation or person ('Comprendo tu dolor'). When in doubt, 'entender' is usually a safe bet.
⭐ Usage Tips
Checking for Understanding
You'll often hear people say '¿Entendido?' after giving instructions. It's a quick way of asking 'Got it?' or 'Understood?'.
In more advanced usage, entender can mean 'to believe' or 'to be of the opinion,' often implying a considered view.
entender(Verb)
to believe
?holding an opinion or view
to be of the opinion
?more formal way to state a belief
,to take it that
?expressing an assumption
📝 In Action
Entiendo que no es fácil, pero debemos intentarlo.
B1I understand (believe) that it's not easy, but we must try.
Según entiendo, la reunión es mañana a las diez.
B2As I understand it (I believe), the meeting is tomorrow at ten.
El director entendió que era mejor posponer la decisión.
B2The director was of the opinion that it was better to postpone the decision.
💡 Grammar Points
Stating Beliefs as Facts
When you use 'entender que' to state your opinion, the next verb is usually a normal, factual form. For example, 'Entiendo que es difícil' (I believe it is difficult). You're presenting your belief as a fact.
⭐ Usage Tips
Sounding Thoughtful
Using 'Entiendo que...' can sound a bit more thoughtful and less direct than 'Creo que...' (I think that...). It's great for formal situations or when you want to show you've considered something carefully.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: entender
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'entender' to mean 'to believe' or 'to be of the opinion'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'entender' and 'comprender'?
They are very close and often interchangeable, so don't worry too much! Think of it this way: 'entender' is about getting the facts, like understanding a sentence or a math problem. 'Comprender' suggests a deeper, more complete understanding, like comprehending a difficult situation or someone's feelings. If you're ever unsure, 'entender' is the more common and safer choice for everyday situations.
Is 'entender' always a stem-changing verb?
It's a stem-changing verb (e -> ie) in the present tense (yo entiendo, tú entiendes...) except for the 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' forms (entendemos, entendéis). In most other tenses like the past (preterite, imperfect) and future, it's perfectly regular, which makes it a bit easier to learn!
Can 'entenderse' mean something different?
Yes! When you add 'se' to make it 'entenderse', it can mean 'to be understood' or 'to get along with someone'. For example, 'El español se entiende en muchos países' (Spanish is understood in many countries) or 'Mis hermanos y yo nos entendemos bien' (My siblings and I get along well).