entiende
en-TYEN-deh
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Ella no entiende por qué estás triste.
A1She doesn't understand why you are sad.
¿Usted entiende cómo funciona la máquina?
A2Do you (formal) understand how the machine works?
El niño entiende el español pero responde en inglés.
A1The boy understands Spanish but responds in English.
Entiende, no podemos esperar más tiempo.
B1Understand, we cannot wait any longer. (Formal command to one person)
💡 Grammar Points
Two Uses of 'Entiende'
'Entiende' is used for 'He/She/It understands' and 'You (formal) understand' in the present time. It is also the formal way to give a direct command: 'Understand!'
The E → IE Change
This verb is irregular because the 'e' in the middle changes to 'ie' in most present tense forms, like 'entiende' and 'entiendo'. However, 'nosotros' (we) and 'vosotros' (you plural Spain) keep the original 'e': 'entendemos'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the Stem Change
Mistake: "Using *entendemos* instead of *entiende* for 'He understands'."
Correction: The correct form is *entiende*. Remember to change E to IE unless you are using the 'we' or 'you plural (Spain)' forms.
⭐ Usage Tips
Understanding Skill
You can use the verb 'entender' followed by the preposition 'de' to mean 'to know a lot about a topic' or 'to be an expert'. Example: 'Mi tía entiende de vinos' (My aunt knows about wine).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: entiende
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly uses 'entiende' to mean 'He knows about'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the word sometimes 'entiende' and sometimes 'entendemos'?
This is a common irregularity in Spanish verbs! The verb 'entender' has a stem change from 'e' to 'ie' when stressed (like in 'entiende'), but 'nosotros' (we) and 'vosotros' (you plural) do not have the stress on that vowel, so they keep the original 'e' (entendemos, entendéis).
Is 'entiende' used more for facts or feelings?
'Entiende' is used for both. You can understand a mathematical fact ('entiende la fórmula') or understand someone's feelings ('entiende mi dolor'). It covers all types of mental comprehension.