entienda
/en-tyén-da/
(that) I understand
Visualizing the sense of 'that I understand' (entienda) with a character experiencing a sudden realization symbolized by a lightbulb illuminating above them.
entienda(Verb)
(that) I understand
?First person singular present subjunctive
,(that) he/she/it understands
?Third person singular present subjunctive
,(that) you understand (formal)
?Usted present subjunctive
(that) I/he/she gets it
?Informal comprehension
📝 In Action
Dudo que ella entienda la lección tan rápido.
B1I doubt that she understands the lesson so quickly.
Espero que usted entienda la importancia de este proyecto.
B2I hope that you (formal) understand the importance of this project.
Aunque yo no entienda el chiste, me reiré por cortesía.
B1Even if I don't understand the joke, I will laugh out of politeness.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Entienda' for Feelings
'Entienda' is the special form (subjunctive) you must use after words that express feelings, wishes, or doubt, like 'espero que' (I hope that) or 'dudo que' (I doubt that).
The Stem Change
The verb 'entender' is irregular. The 'e' in the middle changes to 'ie' in most present forms, including 'entienda', but not in the 'we' (nosotros) form: 'entendamos'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up moods
Mistake: "Espero que usted entiende la regla."
Correction: Espero que usted entienda la regla. (When expressing hope or desire, the second verb must change form.)
⭐ Usage Tips
The 'WEIRDO' Rule
Use 'entienda' when the sentence involves Wishes, Emotions, Impersonal expressions, Requests, Doubt, or Ojalá (WEIRDO). These trigger the special verb form.
This image captures the formal command 'Understand!' (¡Entienda!), showing one person instructing another decisively and demanding attention.
entienda(Verb)
Understand!
?Formal command (Usted)
Please grasp this
?Polite request
📝 In Action
Señora, entienda que no podemos hacer una excepción.
A2Madam, understand that we cannot make an exception.
Entienda bien esta parte antes de continuar.
B1Understand this part well before continuing.
No entienda mal mis palabras; solo estoy siendo honesto.
B2Don't misunderstand my words; I am just being honest.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Commands
To give a polite command to someone you call 'Usted' (formal 'you'), you use the same form as the present subjunctive: 'entienda'. If you were speaking informally ('tú'), you would say 'entiende'.
Negative Commands
To tell someone formally not to do something, you also use 'entienda': 'No entienda eso' (Don't understand that).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong 'you'
Mistake: "Señor, entiende la regla."
Correction: Señor, entienda la regla. (Since 'Señor' requires the formal Usted, use 'entienda', not the informal 'entiende'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Politeness Key
Whenever you need to be professional or polite (using Usted), remember that 'entienda' is the correct way to issue a direct command or instruction.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: entienda
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'entienda' as a formal command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'entienda' used for both 'I understand' and 'he/she understands'?
This is common in the Spanish special verb form (the present subjunctive). In this mood, the verb ending for 'yo' (I) and 'él/ella/usted' (he/she/formal you) is often the same. The context or the subject pronoun clarifies who is performing the action.
How do I know if 'entienda' is a command or a statement of doubt?
If 'entienda' is the very first word of the sentence, or is preceded only by the person being addressed (like 'Señor, entienda...'), it is almost always a formal command. If it follows a trigger phrase like 'Espero que...' (I hope that...) or 'Dudo que...' (I doubt that...), it is the special verb form expressing uncertainty.