¿entiendes?
In Spanish, 'do you understand?' is expressed as ¿entiendes?
This phrase is used to ask if someone comprehends the information being shared.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, you may hear ¿Captas? or ¿Comprendes? to mean 'do you understand?' In Spain, it is common to use ¿Entendido? as a casual way to ask 'Understood?' or 'Got it?'
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a group of people, use the plural form ¿entienden?
When do people say it?
If you want to respond affirmatively to the question, you can say Sí, entiendo. To respond negatively, say No, no entiendo.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word entender shares a root with the English word 'intend', as both come from the Latin 'intendere', meaning to stretch or direct one's attention.
- If you are unsure if someone understood, you can ask ¿Me explico? which means 'Am I explaining myself properly?' This shifts the burden of clarity onto the speaker rather than the listener.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, asking ¿entiendes? during an explanation can sometimes be perceived as impatient or condescending, as if the speaker doubts the listener's intelligence.
Examples in context
- ¿Entiende la explicación del profesor?Do you understand the teacher's explanation?
- Disculpe, ¿entiende cómo utilizar esta máquina?I'm sorry, do you understand how to use this machine?
- Oye, ¿entiendes cómo funciona este videojuego?Hey, do you understand how this video game works?
- ¿Entiendes por qué ella está molesta?Do you understand why she is upset?
- Es un concepto difícil, ¿entiendes?It is a difficult concept, do you understand?
Example conversation
María is explaining a complex recipe to Alejandro in the kitchen.
- MaríaPrimero, corta la cebolla muy fina.First, cut the onion very finely.
- AlejandroSí, lo tengo claro.Yes, I have it clear.
- MaríaEs muy importante, ¿entiendes?It is very important, do you understand?
- AlejandroEntiendo perfectamente, María.I understand perfectly, María.
