comprensivo
/kompɾenˈsibo/
The English word 'supportive' can be translated into Spanish as comprensivo.
While 'supportive' in English can refer to providing practical or emotional help, the Spanish term comprensivo leans more towards being 'understanding' or 'empathetic' toward someone's situation.
Meaning: providing support (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the person or group being described. Use comprensivo for a man, comprensiva for a woman, comprensivos for a group of men or a mixed group and comprensivas for a group of women.
How do you pronounce it?
/kompɾenˈsibo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using apoyador to describe a person's character. While it may seem like a literal translation of 'supportive', it sounds unnatural in Spanish. Use comprensivo instead.
Did you know?
- While 'supportive' in English can describe a person's character, the Spanish verb soportar usually means 'to tolerate' or 'to put up with' when referring to people.
- The word comprensivo comes from the Latin 'comprehendere', which means 'to seize or grasp', as if you are mentally grasping someone's feelings.
- If you want to say someone is 'supportive' of a social cause or a movement, you should use the word solidario instead of comprensivo.
Examples in context
- Es probable que Tom sea comprensivo.Tom will probably be supportive.This sentence shows how to use comprensivo when discussing a person's character.Tatoeba #7917571 by fpp, translation #6349214 by CK
- Estoy a tu disposición para apoyarte en lo que necesites. Soy solidario/a contigo en estos momentos difíciles.I am at your disposal to support you in whatever you need. I am supportive of you in these challenging times.
- No te preocupes, amigo/a. Estoy aquí para ti, pase lo que pase.Don't worry, friend. I'm here for you, no matter what happens.
- Recuerda que siempre contarás conmigo para lo que necesites. ¡Eres importante!Remember that you will always count on me for whatever you need. You are important!
- ¡Ánimo! Estoy seguro/a de que superarás esto y saldrás adelante. Confío en ti.Cheer up! I am sure you will overcome this and move forward. I believe in you.
- No dudes en contar conmigo en todo momento. Estoy aquí para apoyarte en lo que necesites.Do not hesitate to count on me at all times. I am here to support you in whatever you need.
- Mi jefe es muy comprensivo con mis problemas.My boss is very supportive regarding my problems.
- Necesito un amigo que sea comprensivo.I need a friend who is supportive.
Example conversation
Sofía is talking to Mateo about her stressful job.
- SofíaMe siento muy estresada en el trabajo.I feel very stressed at work.
- MateoLo siento, Sofía. Siempre soy comprensivo contigo.I'm sorry, Sofía. I am always supportive of you.
- SofíaGracias, Mateo. Eso significa mucho para mí.Thank you, Mateo. That means a lot to me.
- MateoAquí estoy para lo que necesites.I am here for whatever you need.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry comprensivo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
