je comprends
In French, 'I understand' is said as je comprends.
This phrase is used to show that you grasp the meaning of something or that you agree with a specific point.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of je (I) and comprends (understand, the first-person singular present indicative of comprendre).
Which one should you use?
While je comprends is used for grasping a concept or meaning, the idiomatic expression je vois (I see) is a common way to express 'I see' or 'I understand' in conversational contexts. Additionally, if you want to say 'we understand', you may use on comprend in informal spoken French instead of nous comprenons.
How does it change in a sentence?
In informal spoken French, on comprend is frequently used to mean 'we understand'.
Did you know?
- The verb comprendre is used in French both for 'to understand' and 'to include'. For example, a price that 'includes' tax uses the same word as 'I understand'.
- If you want to say 'I understand you' in a way that implies 'I get what you are saying', you might say je te comprends, but in very informal settings, people often use je capte which is slang derived from the word for 'to capture'.
- While je comprends shows intellectual grasp, the phrase je saisis is used when someone 'grasps' a sudden or elusive point, similar to 'I get it' in English.
Examples in context
- Je comprends la règle.I understand the rule.This sentence shows how to use je comprends with a noun.Tatoeba #6210361 by Aiji, translation #4499862 by CK
- Je comprends ton souci.I understand your concern.This sentence shows how to use je comprends to express empathy regarding a concern.Tatoeba #4595843 by sacredceltic, translation #1777728 by Spamster
- Oui, je comprends. Merci.Yes, I understand. Thank you.This sentence shows how to use je comprends as a standalone response.Tatoeba #449508 by chtof, translation #403080 by Ramses
- 132 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan is explaining a new task to Emma at work.
- NathanIl faut finir ce rapport pour demain.This report must be finished by tomorrow.
- EmmaD'accord, je comprends parfaitement.Okay, I understand perfectly.
- NathanTu peux commencer par la partie budget ?Can you start with the budget part?
- EmmaOui, je comprends ce que je dois faire.Yes, I understand what I need to do.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
