rozumiem
/rɔzˈu.mjɛm/
The phrase 'I understand' in Polish is translated as rozumiem.
rozumiem is used to show that you comprehend what someone has said or explained.
Which one should you use?
Unlike English, the subject pronoun ja (I) is often omitted in rozumiem because the verb ending already indicates the first person.
How does it change in a sentence?
rozumiem is the first-person singular present tense of the verb rozumieć. To say 'you understand' to one person in an informal context, use rozumiesz and the third-person singular form rozumie is used for 'he/she understands'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables, and the stress is on the second syllable: /rɔzˈu.mjɛm/.
Did you know?
- While rozumiem means 'I understand', the phrase rozumiem cię (I understand you) is often used to express deep empathy or emotional solidarity rather than just cognitive comprehension.
- In a formal or professional setting, a Polish speaker might say zrozumiałem (the past tense) to signal that an instruction has been fully received and will be executed.
- While rozumiem means 'I understand', the word rozum refers to 'reason' or 'intellect' in Polish. This creates a deep conceptual link between the act of understanding and the capacity for human reason.
Examples in context
- Rozumiem, o czym mówisz.I understand what you mean.The first sentence shows how to use rozumiem to express understanding what someone is talking about.Tatoeba #582879 by zipangu, translation #70712 by CK
- Ale rozumiem co on mówi.But I understand what he says.The second sentence uses rozumiem to show understanding of what someone says.Tatoeba #6683326 by juu_ichi, translation #328761 by fcbond
- Tak, rozumiem po słowacku.Yes, I understand Slovak.The third sentence uses rozumiem to indicate understanding a specific language.Tatoeba #13335266 by Radek, translation #12591962 by Adelpa
- Tak, rozumiem bez zastrzeżeń.Yes, I understand without any reservations.
- Pewnie, kapuję.Sure, I understand.
- 40 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A teacher explains a difficult task to a student in a classroom.
- MałgorzataCzy rozumiesz to zadanie?Do you understand this task?
- KrzysztofTak, rozumiem.Yes, I understand.
- MałgorzataDobrze, to zacznij pracować.Good, then start working.
- KrzysztofJuż zaczynam.I'm starting now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry rozumiem, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
