entiende
“entiende” means “understands” in Spanish (as in, he/she/it understands).
understands
Also: gets, comprehends, understand!
📝 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)
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: entiende
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly uses 'entiende' to mean 'He knows about'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *intendere*, which meant 'to stretch out' or 'to direct one's attention toward something.' This idea of directing mental effort evolved into the current meaning of 'to grasp' or 'to understand.'
First recorded: Around the 13th century in its current Spanish form.
Cognates (Related words)
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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.