¿entiendes español?
The English phrase "do you understand spanish?" is translated into Spanish as ¿entiendes español?
This phrase is used to ask if someone has the ability to comprehend the Spanish language. Note that the name of the language, español, is generally not capitalized in Spanish unless it begins a sentence.
Which one should you use?
The default form ¿entiendes español? uses the tú conjugation, which is used for friends, family or people your own age. In contrast, formal versions like ¿Usted entiende español? or ¿Comprende usted español? are formal ways to ask 'Do you understand Spanish?'
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, one might use ¿Comprendes español? instead of ¿Usted entiende español? In Argentina, one might use ¿Entendés español? instead of ¿entiendes español?
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a group of two or more people, use the plural form ¿entienden español? To answer the question, you can say Sí, entiendo if you do understand or No entiendo if you do not.
Did you know?
- The word 'español' has a curious connection to the Hebrew word for 'hyrax', a small mammal. Some theories suggest the name of the region was back-formed from Latin and linked to the Punic term for 'the coast of hyraxes'.
Examples in context
- ¡Buenos días! ¿Usted entiende español?Good morning! Do you understand Spanish?
- ¿Entiendes español o necesitas ayuda?Do you understand Spanish or do you need help?
- Lo siento, ¿entiendes español?I'm sorry, do you understand Spanish?
- Dime, ¿entiendes español?Tell me, do you understand Spanish?
Example conversation
Sofía meets Daniel at a language exchange event.
- SofíaHola, Daniel, ¿entiendes español?Hello, Daniel, do you understand Spanish?
- DanielSí, entiendo un poco.Yes, I understand a little.
- Sofía¡Qué bien! Podemos practicar juntos.That's great! We can practice together.
- DanielMe parece una idea excelente.That sounds like an excellent idea.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries español, CC BY-SA 4.0.
