Inklingo

How to Say "comprehends" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “comprehends” is “comprende” — use 'comprende' when referring to a deep, formal, or intellectual understanding of a situation, concept, or subject..

English → Spanish

comprende

kom-PREN-de/komˈpɾende/

verbA1formal
Use 'comprende' when referring to a deep, formal, or intellectual understanding of a situation, concept, or subject.
A child with a wide smile and bright eyes, standing next to a large, glowing lightbulb floating above their head, indicating a sudden realization or understanding.

Examples

El científico comprende la complejidad del problema.

The scientist comprehends the complexity of the problem.

Ella comprende la situación perfectamente.

She understands the situation perfectly.

Mi jefe no comprende el problema de la logística.

My boss doesn't understand the logistics problem.

Si usted comprende las reglas, podemos empezar.

If you (formal) understand the rules, we can start.

Verb Ending Pattern

Since 'comprender' is an -ER verb, its 'he/she/it' form in the present tense always ends in -E, just like 'come' (eats) or 'bebe' (drinks).

Formal 'You'

Remember that 'usted' (the formal way to say 'you') always uses the same verb form as 'él' or 'ella', so 'usted comprende' means 'you understand'.

Confusing Tenses

Mistake: “Él comprendió ahora.”

Correction: Él comprende ahora. ('Comprendió' is the past tense; 'comprende' is the present.)

entiende

en-TYEN-deh/enˈtjen.de/

verbA1
Use 'entiende' for everyday understanding, grasping meaning, or comprehending why something is the way it is.
A cheerful person with a bright, glowing lightbulb floating directly above their head, representing a moment of sudden understanding.

Examples

No entiendo la lección de matemáticas.

I don't understand the math lesson.

Ella no entiende por qué estás triste.

She doesn't understand why you are sad.

¿Usted entiende cómo funciona la máquina?

Do you (formal) understand how the machine works?

El niño entiende el español pero responde en inglés.

The boy understands Spanish but responds in English.

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'.

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.

Formal vs. Everyday Understanding

Learners often overuse 'comprende' in casual conversation when 'entiende' would be more natural. While 'comprende' implies a deeper grasp, 'entiende' is the go-to for most daily situations and simple comprehension.

Related Translations

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