Entender is a key Spanish verb meaning "to understand." It’s a stem-changing verb (e > ie) that expresses when someone grasps, comprehends, or catches the meaning of something. Because of its importance, entender is commonly used in everyday conversation whenever understanding is involved—whether in listening, reading, or explaining.
- Meaning: to understand (comprehend, grasp)
- Type: Regular -er verb with stem change (e → ie)
- Usage: When someone comprehends or catches the meaning of something
'Entender' means 'to understand.'
'Entender' is a stem-changing verb (e > ie).
Conjugation Pattern
Entender is an -er verb with a stem change from e → ie in all forms except the nosotros and vosotros forms.
| Person | Present (Entender) | Stem Change? |
|---|---|---|
| Yo | Entiendo | Yes |
| Tú | Entiendes | Yes |
| Él/Ella/Ud. | Entiende | Yes |
| Nosotros/as | Entendemos | No |
| Vosotros/as | Entendéis | No |
| Ellos/Uds. | Entienden | Yes |
- In the present tense, the stem entend- becomes entiend- for all but nosotros/vosotros.
The stem change for 'entender' is e → ie.
Nosotros and vosotros forms do not stem-change.
Example Sentences
- ¿Entiendes la pregunta?
(Do you understand the question?)
→ Used in a typical classroom or discussion context.
- Ella no entiende por qué cambió la regla.
(She doesn’t understand why the rule changed.)
→ Often used when someone is confused about instructions or reasons.
- Nosotros entendemos mejor cuando escuchamos música.
(We understand better when we listen to music.)
→ Expresses a preference for a learning method.
- Si no entienden, pregunten.
(If you don’t understand, ask.)
→ Common advice given in educational settings.
- ¿Ustedes entienden las instrucciones?
(Do you all understand the instructions?)
→ Used when addressing a group.
'Entienden el tema' means 'they understand the topic.'
'We understand each other' is 'Nos entendemos.'
Entender is an essential verb for expressing comprehension in Spanish. Its stem-changing pattern ties it to many other "boot" verbs that shift meaning with their forms, making it a cornerstone for language learners.
- Entender means to understand and is used when someone grasps or comprehends an idea.
- It is a stem-changing verb: the “e” in the stem becomes “ie” (entiend-) in all but nosotros and vosotros.
- Common situations: understanding instructions, opinions, explanations, or ideas in conversation or study.
'Entender' means 'to understand.'
'Entender' is a stem-changing -er verb.
Entender changes its stem from e to ie in the present tense, except for nosotros and vosotros.
Present Tense Conjugation
| Subject | Conjugation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yo | Entiendo | Stem change: e → ie |
| Tú | Entiendes | Stem change: e → ie |
| Él/Ella/Ud. | Entiende | Stem change: e → ie |
| Nosotros/as | Entendemos | No stem change |
| Vosotros/as | Entendéis | No stem change |
| Ellos/Uds. | Entienden | Stem change: e → ie |
- Only the root in parentheses is changed: (entend) → (entiend)
Example Sentences
- ¿Entiendes lo que dije?
(Do you understand what I said?)
→ Used when checking comprehension in conversation.
- Ella no entiende el problema.
(She doesn't understand the problem.)
→ For situations involving confusion or misunderstanding.
- Nosotros entendemos español.
(We understand Spanish.)
→ Expresses language comprehension.
- Si no entienden, puedo explicarlo de nuevo.
(If you don’t understand, I can explain it again.)
→ Commonly said by teachers or presenters.
- ¿Entienden ustedes las reglas del juego?
(Do you all understand the game rules?)
→ Used when addressing a group.
'entender' is used when grasping a concept or understanding instructions.
'entender' is more common in everyday contexts, while 'comprender' is slightly more formal.
'No entendemos la pregunta' means 'We don't understand the question.'
Correct conjugations include: Entiendo, Entiendes, Entienden, Entendemos, Entendéis.
'They understand each other' is 'Se entienden.'
'You (pl.) understand' is 'Ustedes entienden.'