καταλαβαίνω
katalavaíno/ka.ta.laˈve.no/
In Greek, 'I understand' is expressed as καταλαβαίνω (katalavaíno).
The phrase is used to indicate that you grasp the meaning of something or are following a line of reasoning. In conversation, simply saying Καταλαβαίνω is a common and natural way to signal to a speaker that you are following their point.
Which one should you use?
Use the present tense καταλαβαίνω to express that you currently grasp a concept, whereas the past tense κατάλαβα is used to say you have understood something that was just explained.
How does it change in a sentence?
The aorist (simple past) form of καταλαβαίνω is κατάλαβα.
How do you pronounce it?
katalavaíno (ka.ta.laˈve.no). It has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 4th syllable.
Did you know?
- While καταλαβαίνω means 'I understand', its ancient ancestor καταλαμβάνω could also mean 'to seize' or 'to occupy' a territory.
- The verb καταλαβαίνω can be used to describe not just a concept, but also 'understanding' a person's emotional state or motives, similar to saying 'I feel you'.
- In casual Greek speech, the word Κατάλαβα is frequently shortened or blended into other phrases to act as a filler word meaning 'I see' or 'right'.
Examples in context
- Ναι, σας καταλαβαίνω καλά.Yes, I understand you well.This sentence is useful for confirming that you understand someone well.Tatoeba #1533809 by glavkos, translation #403051 by Ramses
- Μερικές φορές σε καταλαβαίνω.Sometimes I understand you.This sentence shows how to express understanding in a specific instance.Tatoeba #5515083 by Zeus, translation #5506618 by confusedchild02
- Καταλαβαίνω.I understand.This sentence shows how to use the verb alone to signal understanding.Tatoeba #5104727 by katkat, translation #433468 by CK
- Καταλαβαίνω τι λες.I understand what you are saying.
- Συνειδητοποιώ τη σπουδαιότητα της κατάστασης.I understand the importance of the situation.
- Γνωρίζω τις ανάγκες του πελάτη.I understand the needs of the client.
- Καταλαβαίνω τι εννοείς.I understand what you mean.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anastasia is explaining a plan to George.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΠρέπει να φύγουμε νωρίς αύριο.Prepei na fygoume noris avrio.We need to leave early tomorrow.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΝαι, καταλαβαίνω γιατί είναι σημαντικό.Nai, katalavaino giati einai simantiko.Yes, I understand why it is important.
- Αναστασία AnastasiaΤότε θα σε περιμένω στις έξι.Tote tha se perimeno stis exi.Then I will wait for you at six.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΘα είμαι εκεί στην ώρα μου.Tha imai eki stin ora mou.I will be there on time.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry καταλαβαίνω, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries καταλαβαίνω, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
