no entiendo
/ˌno enˈtjendo/
In Spanish, 'I don't understand' can be said as no entiendo or no comprendo.
Meaning: I don't understand (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| no entiendo | /ˌno enˈtjendo/ |
| no comprendo | /ˌno komˈpɾendo/ |
Both no entiendo and no comprendo are used to express that you do not understand something.
Which one should you use?
no entiendo is the most common way to say 'I don't understand' in everyday conversation. no comprendo is slightly more formal or implies a deeper level of comprehension than no entiendo.
How does it change in a sentence?
The subject 'yo' (I) is often omitted because the verb ending -o in entiendo already indicates the first person singular. To say 'I didn't understand' (referring to a specific moment in the past), use the preterite form no entendí. If you are addressing someone formally and want to say 'I don't understand you', use no le entiendo.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌno enˈtjendo/
Did you know?
- The word entiendo comes from the verb entender, which literally means 'to stretch' inside. It shares a root with the English word 'intend' through their shared Latin origin.
- The verb comprender is often used in Spanish to mean 'to include' or 'to encompass', meaning you might hear it used to describe a physical area rather than a thought.
- While no entiendo is for general lack of understanding, Spanish speakers might use no me entero when they are confused by a situation or have missed the point of a joke.
Examples in context
- Yo no entiendo esto.I don't understand this.Tatoeba #1202222 by marcelostockle, translation #506447 by rtomharper
- No entiendo su idea.I don't understand his idea.Tatoeba #3119695 by cueyayotl, translation #10251627 by LimeGreenTeknii
- No entiendo el arte.I don't understand art.Tatoeba #10124661 by manufrutos, translation #5265481 by CK
- 135 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier is asking María for help with a difficult text.
- JavierMaría, no entiendo este párrafo.María, I don't understand this paragraph.
- MaríaEs un poco difícil, ¿verdad?It is a bit difficult, right?
- Javier¿Me lo puedes explicar?Can you explain it to me?
- MaríaClaro, te ayudo con gusto.Of course, I will help you gladly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I don't understand” translations and entries no entiendo, no comprendo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
