What does it mean word for word?
entendido is the past participle of the verb entender (to understand), and it literally means 'understood'.
Which one should you use?
entendido is a versatile phrase for general understanding. For a more formal or official tone, such as in military communication, the word recibido is used to mean 'received'. If you are expressing agreement or compliance with a directive, de acuerdo is an appropriate formal choice. Although copiado is a literal translation of 'copied', it is rarely used as a standalone phrase for 'copy that' in natural Spanish conversation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, entendido is commonly used to convey both understanding and agreement.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the word can change based on what is being understood. If you are referring to a specific feminine noun, such as la orden (the order), you should use the feminine form entendida.
How do you pronounce it?
/entenˈdido/
Did you know?
- While entendido means 'understood', the noun form un entendido refers to a person who is an expert or a connoisseur in a specific field.
- The word entendido shares an ancient root with the English word 'tension', as both derive from the idea of stretching or directing something toward a goal.
- In some contexts, entendido can be used sarcastically to signal that someone has finally understood something that should have been obvious from the start.
Examples in context
- ¡Entendido!Understood!
- Entendido, me pongo con ello.Copy that, I'll get on it.
Example conversation
Daniel is giving Maria instructions for a task at work.
- DanielMaría, necesito el informe para las tres.Maria, I need the report by three.
- MaríaEntendido, Daniel. Lo tendré listo.Copy that, Daniel. I will have it ready.
- DanielGracias, confío en tu trabajo.Thanks, I trust your work.
- MaríaNo te preocupes, cuenta con ello.Don't worry, you can count on it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry entendido, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries entendido, CC BY-SA 4.0.
