entender
/entenˈdeɾ/
The Spanish verb for 'to understand' is entender. Wiktionary also lists diquelar and dar en ello.
Meaning: to grasp the meaning of (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| entender | /entenˈdeɾ/ | |
| diquelar | /dikelaɾ/ (from spelling rules) | |
| dar en ello | /ˌdaɾ en ˈeʝo/ | |
| entrevar | /entɾebaɾ/ (from spelling rules) | |
| manyar | /manˈʝaɾ/ | South America |
The verb is used to express grasping the meaning of something or someone.
Which one should you use?
While entender is the standard word for 'to understand', the form comprender is often used in more formal or intellectual contexts to imply a deeper level of comprehension.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In South America, the form manyar is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'I understand' in the present tense, use entiendo. To say 'I understood' in the past (preterite) tense, use entendí.
How do you pronounce it?
/entenˈdeɾ/
Did you know?
- The phrase dar en ello literally translates to 'to hit it', which is used idiomatically to mean you have finally understood or grasped a point.
- The word entender is a linguistic sibling to the English word 'intend', as both evolved from the Latin intendere, which meant to stretch or strain toward something.
- While entender is common, using comprender can signal that you understand a person's emotions or a difficult situation with empathy.
Examples in context
- Un día lo entenderás.One day you'll understand.This sentence uses entender to express a future realization.Tatoeba #1868684 by Shishir, translation #1866409 by Spamster
- No lo van a entender.They won't understand.This sentence uses entender to express a lack of understanding in the future.Tatoeba #5055810 by don_ramon, translation #2243528 by CK
- Puedo entender a Tom.I can understand Tom.This sentence uses entender to express the ability to understand a person.Tatoeba #10115180 by Shishir, translation #2301403 by CK
- ¿Comprende usted el problema?Do you understand the problem?
- Sí, comprendo perfectamente.Yes, I understand perfectly.
- ¿Entiende la situación?Do you understand the situation?
- ¡Finalmente, pillé cómo funciona esta aplicación!Finally, I caught on how this app works!
- No pillo lo que dices.I don't get what you're saying.
- No capto qué quieres decir.I don't grasp what you mean.
- Me cuesta captar el concepto.I struggle to grasp the concept.
- 375 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are discussing a complex project at work.
- JavierNo logro entender este reporte.I can't manage to understand this report.
- LucíaEs un poco confuso, ¿verdad?It's a bit confusing, isn't it?
- Javier¿Puedes ayudarme a entender los datos?Can you help me understand the data?
- LucíaClaro, Javier, lo revisamos ahora.Sure, Javier, we will review it now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “understand” translations and entries entender, diquelar, dar en ello, entrevar, manyar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dar, ello, en, entender, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
