entiendo más de lo que hablo
/entjendo mas de lo ke ablo/from spelling rules
To say "I understand more than I speak" in Spanish, you use entiendo más de lo que hablo.
This phrase is used to explain that your listening comprehension in a language is better than your ability to speak it.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from entiendo (I understand), más de lo que (more than that which) and hablo (I speak).
Which one should you use?
A common alternative to the default form is comprendo más de lo que hablo, which is created by replacing entiendo with comprendo.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the comparative structure más de lo que to compare two actions, understanding and speaking, rather than comparing two nouns.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the concept of 'understanding' can be expressed by entender, but if you are talking about 'getting' a joke or a hint, speakers often use pillar in Spain.
- The word más in this phrase shares a common ancestor with the English word 'master', as both derive from the Latin 'magis' and 'magister'.
- While entiendo and comprendo both mean 'I understand', the latter is often perceived as more formal or suggesting a deeper, intellectual grasp of a concept.
Examples in context
- Entiendo más de lo que hablo.I understand more than I speak.This example demonstrates the use of entiendo más de lo que hablo.Tatoeba #1564920 by marcelostockle, translation #1564522 by cruzedu73
- Cuando viajo a países hispanohablantes, mi nivel de comprensión en español es superior al de expresión verbal.When I travel to Spanish-speaking countries, my level of understanding in Spanish is superior to my verbal expression.
- Cuando hablo contigo, entiendo más de lo que hablo en español.When I speak with you, I understand more than I speak in Spanish.
- Entiendo más de lo que hablo en inglés.I understand more than I speak in English.
- Es verdad, entiendo más de lo que hablo.It's true, I understand more than I speak.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their progress learning Spanish.
- María¿Hablas muy bien el español, María?Do you speak Spanish very well, María?
- AlejandroNo, entiendo más de lo que hablo.No, I understand more than I speak.
- MaríaNo te preocupes, Alejandro te ayudará a practicar.Don't worry, Alejandro will help you practice.
- AlejandroEso sería genial, gracias.That would be great, thanks.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, lo, más, que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
