Entender: to understand
Pronunciation: ehn-tehn-DEHR (stress the capital letters)
Entender means “to understand” in English.
Quick answer
- Meaning: to understand
- How to say it: ehn-tehn-DEHR
- Present: yo entiendo, tú entiendes
- Level: Beginner (A1)
What “entender” means and how to use it
Entender means “to understand.” It is one of the first verbs learners need when something is unclear.
How to conjugate “entender”
| Who | Spanish | English |
|---|---|---|
| yo | entiendo | I |
| tú | entiendes | you (informal) |
| él, ella, usted | entiende | he, she, you (formal) |
| nosotros | entendemos | we |
| ellos, ustedes | entienden | they, you all |
| Past (preterite) | yo entendí, él entendió | I / he or she |
| Past participle | entendido | used with haber |
Examples with audio
- No entiendo la pregunta.I do not understand the question.
- ¿Entiendes español?Do you understand Spanish?
- Mi profesor explica y todos entendemos.My teacher explains and we all understand.
Usage tip
Entender changes its stem: entiendo, entiendes, entiende. For “I do not get it,” you can also say “no entiendo nada.”
Frequently asked questions
How do you say “to understand” in Spanish?
“to understand” in Spanish is “entender.” It is pronounced ehn-tehn-DEHR, with the stress on the syllable in capital letters.
How do you pronounce “entender”?
Say ehn-tehn-DEHR. The syllable in capital letters gets the stress. Press the speaker button at the top of this page to hear it.
What is the past tense of “entender”?
In the preterite, “yo” is “entendí” and “él” is “entendió.” The past participle is “entendido.”
Practice “entender” for free
Reading helps, but practice makes it stick. Try short exercises with instant feedback.