Inklingo

entienda

en-tyén-daenˈtjen̪d̪a

entienda means (that) I understand in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

(that) I understand, (that) he/she/it understands, (that) you understand (formal)

Also: (that) I/he/she gets it
VerbB1irregular (e > ie stem change in present forms) er
A person standing alone, looking thoughtful, with a bright, glowing lightbulb appearing directly above their head, representing a moment of sudden understanding.
infinitiveentender
gerundentendiendo
past Participleentendido

📝 In Action

Dudo que ella entienda la lección tan rápido.

B1

I doubt that she understands the lesson so quickly.

Espero que usted entienda la importancia de este proyecto.

B2

I hope that you (formal) understand the importance of this project.

Aunque yo no entienda el chiste, me reiré por cortesía.

B1

Even if I don't understand the joke, I will laugh out of politeness.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • comprenda ((that he/she) comprehends)

Antonyms

  • confunda ((that he/she) confuses)

Common Collocations

  • No creo que entiendaI don't think he/she understands

Understand!

Also: Please grasp this
VerbA2irregular (e > ie stem change) erformal
An adult figure giving a firm instruction by pointing clearly at a simple colored block on a table, while another figure leans in attentively to receive the command.
infinitiveentender
gerundentendiendo
past Participleentendido

📝 In Action

Señora, entienda que no podemos hacer una excepción.

A2

Madam, understand that we cannot make an exception.

Entienda bien esta parte antes de continuar.

B1

Understand this part well before continuing.

No entienda mal mis palabras; solo estoy siendo honesto.

B2

Don't misunderstand my words; I am just being honest.

Word Connections

Common Collocations

  • Entienda mi situaciónUnderstand my situation

Indicative

Present

yoentiendo
entiendes
él/ella/ustedentiende
nosotrosentendemos
vosotrosentendéis
ellos/ellas/ustedesentienden

Imperfect

yoentendía
entendías
él/ella/ustedentendía
nosotrosentendíamos
vosotrosentendíais
ellos/ellas/ustedesentendían

Preterite

yoentendí
entendiste
él/ella/ustedentendió
nosotrosentendimos
vosotrosentendisteis
ellos/ellas/ustedesentendieron

Subjunctive

Present Subjunctive

yoentienda
entiendas
él/ella/ustedentienda
nosotrosentendamos
vosotrosentendáis
ellos/ellas/ustedesentiendan

Imperfect Subjunctive

yoentendiera
entendieras
él/ella/ustedentendiera
nosotrosentendiéramos
vosotrosentendierais
ellos/ellas/ustedesentendieran

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "entienda" in Spanish:

understand!

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: entienda

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'entienda' as a formal command?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

The verb 'entender' comes from the Latin verb *intendere*, meaning 'to stretch toward' or 'to direct one's attention to.' Over time, this evolved in Spanish to mean directing one's mind toward something, hence 'to understand.'

First recorded: 12th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: entenderFrench: entendre

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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.