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How to Say "you understand" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “you understand” is “entiendes” — use this when asking one person you know well (the informal 'tú' form) if they understand a question, information, or a concept..

English → Spanish

entiendes

/en-TYEN-des//enˈtjendes/

VerbA1informal
Use this when asking one person you know well (the informal 'tú' form) if they understand a question, information, or a concept.
A child listening intently to a friend who is explaining a complex drawing. A bright, glowing lightbulb appears above the listener's head, symbolizing the exact moment of understanding.

Examples

¿Entiendes la pregunta?

Do you understand the question?

Si no entiendes, levanta la mano.

If you don't understand, raise your hand.

Me gusta que entiendes mis chistes.

I like that you understand my jokes.

The 'You' Form for Friends (tú)

This word, entiendes, is how you say 'you understand' to one person you know well, like a friend, a family member, or a classmate. It's the informal and most common way to talk to a peer.

A 'Shape-Shifting' Verb (e -> ie)

The verb entender is a 'stem-changer'. This means the middle of the word changes shape in some forms. Notice how the 'e' in entender becomes 'ie' to make entiendes. This happens in several common verbs!

Forgetting the Shape-Shift

Mistake: “Tú *entendes* la lección.”

Correction: Tú *entiendes* la lección. Remember that for the 'tú' form, the 'e' in the middle needs to change to 'ie'.

comprendes

kohm-PREN-dehs/komˈpɾendes/

VerbA1informal
Use this when asking someone (informally, the 'tú' form) if they grasp or comprehend a lesson, explanation, or a more complex idea.
A simple stylized figure, perhaps a child, with a bright smile and wide, knowing eyes, showing clear realization after hearing information.

Examples

¿Comprendes la lección que acabo de explicar?

Do you understand the lesson I just explained?

Tú comprendes muy bien mi situación.

You understand my situation very well.

Si no comprendes algo, dime.

If you don't understand something, tell me.

Using 'Tú'

This form, 'comprendes,' is used when speaking to one person informally (like a friend, family member, or child). If you need to be formal or address a stranger, use 'comprende' (Usted form).

Comprender vs. Entender

Both mean 'to understand,' but 'comprender' often suggests a deeper, more complete grasp of a concept or situation, while 'entender' is more common for simple facts or directions. However, they are often interchangeable.

Confusing 'Comprender' and 'Entender' conjugation

Mistake: “Saying *comprendes* when you mean *entiendes* (the E-to-IE stem change verb).”

Correction: 'Comprender' is regular (comprendes), while 'entender' has a vowel change (entiendes).

sabés

VerbA1informal
Use this when asking someone (informally, the 'tú' form) if they know or are aware of a particular piece of information or the location of something.

Examples

¿Sabés dónde está la parada del autobús?

Do you know where the bus stop is?

ves

/bess//bes/

VerbA2informal
Use this when asking someone (informally, the 'tú' form) if they 'see' or realize something, often used figuratively to point out an obvious truth or consequence.
A young person looking at several confusing shapes that suddenly resolve into a clear, recognizable pattern.

Examples

¿Ves? Te dije que era una mala idea.

See? I told you it was a bad idea.

Ahora ves por qué no quería ir.

Now you see why I didn't want to go.

Ya ves, no es tan complicado como pensabas.

You see, it's not as complicated as you thought.

Entender vs. Saber vs. Ver

Learners often confuse 'entiendes' and 'sabes' when 'you understand' is used in English. Remember that 'entiendes' is for comprehension of information or concepts, while 'sabes' is for knowing facts or locations. 'Ves' is typically used for figurative sight or realization, not direct comprehension.

Related Translations

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