Entendí
/entendi/from spelling rules
Entendí is the Spanish way to say "I understood".
This phrase is used to confirm that you have grasped the meaning of something that was said or explained. You can also use the synonym comprendí to express the same idea.
Which one should you use?
The form entendí uses the preterite tense to indicate a completed act of understanding. In contrast, the form entendía uses the imperfect tense to describe an ongoing state of understanding in the past.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the slang phrase Me cae el veinte is used to mean "I get it" or "I understand." In Spain, the word Vale can be used to indicate understanding, similar to saying "okay" or "got it."
How does it change in a sentence?
Entendí is the first-person singular preterite indicative of the verb entender.
How do you pronounce it?
/entendi/
Did you know?
- The Mexican slang Me cae el veinte refers to a 20-cent coin falling into a public telephone. It describes the exact moment a 'click' happens in the brain and the information finally makes sense.
- The verb entender comes from the Latin intendere, which originally meant 'to stretch out' or 'direct'. This suggests that understanding is viewed as stretching one's mind toward a concept.
- While entendí is a direct translation, Spanish speakers often use the phrase está claro to signal they have understood. This literally means 'it is clear' and shifts the focus from the person's mental effort to the clarity of the information.
Examples in context
- Creí que te entendía.I thought I understood you.This sentence shows how to use Entendí in a past context.Tatoeba #3112427 by marcelostockle, translation #1961284 by CK
- Gracias, lo entendí todo.Thanks, I understood everything.This sentence uses Entendí to express that you understood everything.Tatoeba #1713589 by marcelostockle, translation #1492612 by Eldad
- Entendía la perspectiva de Tom.I understood Tom's point of view.This sentence uses the form Entendí to describe understanding a perspective.Tatoeba #5674283 by arh, translation #5673087 by CK
- El profesor explicó todo muy bien y yo entendí.The teacher explained everything very well, and I understood.
- El juez habló en términos legales, pero comprendí su explicación.The judge spoke in legal terms, but I understood his explanation.
- ¿Podemos encontrarnos a las 7 en el parque? Claro, entendido.Can we meet at 7 in the park? Of course, understood.
- Me explicaste cómo llegar a tu casa, ya veo.You explained how to get to your house, I see.
- ¿Vamos al cine esta noche? Vale, entendido.Shall we go to the movies tonight? Okay, understood.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are discussing the instructions for a new project.
- Javier¿Comprendiste las instrucciones para el proyecto?Did you understand the instructions for the project?
- ElenaSí, lo entendí perfectamente.Yes, I understood it perfectly.
- JavierQué bueno, Elena.That's good, Elena.
- ElenaGracias por la explicación, Javier.Thanks for the explanation, Javier.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
