j'ai compris
The English phrase "I understood" is translated into French as j'ai compris.
j'ai compris is used to confirm that you have grasped the meaning of something or followed an explanation. It is a common way to signal the end of an explanation or to confirm that instructions have been received.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally "I have understood", which is formed using the auxiliary verb avoir (to have) and the past participle compris.
Which one should you use?
While je comprends means "I understand" in the present tense, you should use j'ai compris to confirm that you have successfully processed information that was just provided to you.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle compris is invariable in gender or number when used with the auxiliary avoir, unless a direct object precedes it.
Did you know?
- While j'ai compris is standard, a French person might use the slang pigé to say 'I get it', which comes from the verb for 'picking' or 'grabbing' an idea.
- While j'ai compris is the standard way to say you understood, using it too frequently in a professional setting can sometimes sound blunt or dismissive, as if you are cutting the speaker off.
- The verb inside j'ai compris is also used to describe the contents of a package or the boundaries of a city, meaning 'included' or 'comprised'.
Examples in context
- J'ai compris le message.I understood the message.This sentence shows how to use j'ai compris with a direct object like a message.Tatoeba #6324157 by Aiji, translation #4499732 by CK
- J'ai compris ce que tu voulais dire.I understood what you meant.This sentence demonstrates using j'ai compris to confirm you understood a specific intent.Tatoeba #2426985 by sacredceltic, translation #1887867 by CK
- J'ai compris tout ce que tu m'as dit.I understood everything that you said to me.This sentence illustrates how j'ai compris can confirm you understood everything said to you.Tatoeba #11072789 by Aiji, translation #5119064 by CarpeLanam
- J'ai compris votre demande, Monsieur Dupont.I understood your request, Mr. Dupont.
- T'inquiète pas, j'ai pigé ce que tu voulais dire.Don't worry, I got what you meant.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma is explaining a new recipe to Hugo in the kitchen.
- EmmaIl faut ajouter le sucre après la cuisson.You must add the sugar after cooking.
- HugoD'accord, j'ai compris.Okay, I understood.
- EmmaTu as bien suivi mes instructions ?Did you follow my instructions well?
- HugoOui, tout est clair pour moi.Yes, everything is clear to me.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
