comprensión
/kompɾenˈsjon/
Understanding in Spanish, as the mental grasp of meaning, is comprensión.
comprensión is the noun for understanding something. It is also the word in the set phrase thank you for your understanding.
Meaning: (''uncountable'') the mental process of discernment of meaning (noun)
Which one should you use?
comprensión is the noun. To describe a person who is understanding or sympathetic, use the adjective comprensivo.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Central America, especially Guatemala and El Salvador, cachar is slang for to understand.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The IPA is /kompɾenˈsjon/, stressed on the last syllable.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word comprensivo describes someone who is empathetic or forgiving, whereas in English, 'comprehensive' describes something that is all-inclusive.
- The slang verb cachar, used in places like Guatemala to mean 'to understand', relies on the metaphor of 'catching' an idea like a ball in mid-air.
- The word comprensión is derived from the Latin comprehēnsiōnem, which originally referred to the physical act of seizing or grasping something with the hand.
Examples in context
- Gracias por vuestra comprensión.Thank you for your understanding.vuestra comprensión uses the plural you of Spain.Tatoeba #10238751 by Shishir, translation #796164 by alvren
- ¡Gracias a todos por la comprensión!Thank you all so much for understanding.la comprensión thanks everyone for understanding.Tatoeba #1666167 by hayastan, translation #10140969 by DJ_Saidez
- Su comprensión de la lógica es pésima.His understanding of logic is abysmal.comprensión here means grasp of a subject.Tatoeba #11433946 by Eremon, translation #883899 by Swift
- Gracias por su comprensión y paciencia durante este proceso de reestructuración.Thank you for your understanding and patience during this restructuring process.
- Estamos trabajando arduamente para entender y solucionar sus inquietudes.We are working hard to understand and address your concerns.
- Agradecemos su comprensión ante las dificultades encontradas.We appreciate your understanding regarding the encountered difficulties.
- Sí, entiendo lo que me estás diciendo.Yes, I understand what you're telling me.
- No te preocupes, capto perfectamente tus explicaciones.Don't worry, I perfectly understand your explanations.
- Llegamos a un acuerdo por medio del entendimiento mutuo.We reached an agreement through mutual understanding.
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are discussing a difficult text in class.
- MaríaJavier, ¿tienes una buena comprensión del texto?Javier, do you have a good understanding of the text?
- JavierNo, me falta comprensión en la segunda parte.No, I lack understanding in the second part.
- MaríaYo tampoco, es un tema muy complejo.Me neither, it is a very complex topic.
- JavierLeamos el capítulo otra vez juntos.Let's read the chapter again together.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry comprensión, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries comprensión, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
