compréhension
/kɔ̃.pʁe.ɑ̃.sjɔ̃/feminine
The English word 'understanding' can be translated into French as compréhension.
compréhension is an uncountable noun referring to the mental process of discerning meaning.
Meaning: (''uncountable'') the mental process of discernment of meaning (noun)
Which one should you use?
The noun compréhension refers to the act of understanding, whereas the adjective compréhensif describes a person who is sympathetic or understanding toward others.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
compréhension is a feminine noun and is used with the feminine article la.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɔ̃.pʁe.ɑ̃.sjɔ̃/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers sometimes mistakenly use the adjective compréhensif to mean 'the ability to understand a concept.' In French, compréhensif only describes a person's sympathetic character.
Did you know?
- The English word 'comprehension' and the French compréhension share the same Latin root, meaning 'to seize' or 'to grasp' fully.
- While compréhension is the standard term for understanding, French speakers often use the phrase je vois meaning 'I see' to signal they understand a point during a conversation.
- The French language distinguishes between comprendre for intellectual understanding and saisir for 'grasping' a sudden realization or a nuance.
Examples in context
- Merci de votre compréhension.Thank you for your understanding.This sentence is useful for expressing thanks for someone's understanding using compréhension.Tatoeba #2994047 by nimfeo, translation #796164 by alvren
- Merci pour votre compréhension.Thank you for understanding.Tatoeba #13563940 by sacredceltic, translation #2643710 by CK
- Ce n'était pas ma compréhension.That was not my understanding.This sentence is useful for stating that something was not one's compréhension.Tatoeba #4855561 by sacredceltic, translation #2840712 by CK
- J'ai une bonne compréhension des mathématiques.I have a good understanding of mathematics.
- Il a une excellente compréhension du fonctionnement de l'entreprise.He has an excellent understanding of how the company operates.
- Je comprends parfaitement ce que tu veux dire.I understand perfectly what you mean.
- Nous comprenons ton point de vue.We understand your point of view.
- Je saisis bien le concept dont tu parles.I grasp the concept you are talking about.
- Tu saisis ce que je veux dire, n'est-ce pas ?You understand what I mean, right?
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa is explaining a complex project to Hugo.
- LéaEst-ce que tu as une bonne compréhension du projet ?Do you have a good understanding of the project?
- HugoOui, mais j'ai encore quelques questions.Yes, but I still have a few questions.
- LéaJe peux t'aider pour faciliter ta compréhension.I can help you to make your understanding easier.
- HugoC'est gentil, merci beaucoup Léa.That's kind, thank you very much Léa.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “understanding” translations and entries compréhension, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries compréhension, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
