no entiendo
/ˌno enˈtjendo/
The English phrase 'I don't understand' is translated into Spanish as no comprendo.
You use this phrase to express that you do not understand something. It can refer to a lack of comprehension regarding a concept or a piece of logic.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of no (not) and comprendo (I comprehend/understand).
Which one should you use?
While no entiendo is the most common way to say 'I don't understand', no comprendo is slightly more formal or implies a lack of comprehension of a concept or logic.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and some parts of Central America, the expression No capto is used to mean 'I don't grasp it'. In some regions, particularly in Spain, the colloquial expression No pillo lo que dices is used to mean 'I don't get it' or 'I don't catch what you're saying'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb comprendo is the first-person singular present indicative form of comprender.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌno enˈtjendo/
Did you know?
- The verb comprender is a cognate of the English 'comprehend', but it also carries a secondary meaning of 'to include' or 'to encompass'. A sign saying el precio comprende el desayuno means 'the price includes breakfast'.
- While no comprendo sounds like a natural sentence, using it alone can sound blunt to native speakers. It is often softened with lo siento (I am sorry) or perdón (pardon) to avoid sounding dismissive.
- While no comprendo is perfectly correct, if you are struggling with a fast speaker, you might say No te sigo (I do not follow you). This treats the conversation like a path or a trail that you have lost.
Examples in context
- Lo siento, no entiendo la pregunta.I am sorry, I do not understand the question.
- No entiendo qué dice este cartel.I do not understand what this sign says.
- Perdone, pero no entiendo su explicación.Excuse me, but I do not understand your explanation.
Example conversation
A student asks a teacher about a math problem in a classroom.
- MaríaProfesor, no entiendo este ejercicio.Professor, I do not understand this exercise.
- JavierNo te preocupes, María, lo explicaré de nuevo.Do not worry, María, I will explain it again.
- María¿Puede escribirlo en la pizarra?Can you write it on the board?
- JavierSí, con gusto te ayudo.Yes, I will gladly help you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry no entiendo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
