French · Everyday Verbs
"to understand" in French: comprendre
comprendre
To understand in French is comprendre : je comprends, tu comprends, elle comprend. The past participle is compris—tu as compris ? is everyday confirmation.
Classroom
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How to pronounce comprendre
Say it
kom-PRAHNDR
/kɔ̃.pʁɑ̃dʁ/
Kom-PRAHNDR. Nasal an, soft final re. Je comprends: zhuh kom-PRAHN.
"to understand" in French: quick reference
| French | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| comprendre | to understand Infinitive. | Infinitive. |
| je comprends | I understand Present. | Present. |
| tu as compris | did you get it Check-in. | Check-in. |
| je ne comprends pas | I don't understand Learner phrase. | Learner phrase. |
How to use comprendre in real life
- 1Classroom
Tu comprends la question ?
Do you understand the question?
Tu comprends.
- 2After directions
Oui, je comprends. Tout droit puis à gauche.
Yes, I understand. Straight then left.
Je comprends.
- 3Confirming
Tu as compris le plan pour demain ?
Did you get the plan for tomorrow?
Compris.
Mistakes English speakers make with comprendre
Incorrect: Je comprend pas.
Correct: Je ne comprends pas. / Je comprends pas.
Je/tu forms need -ds: comprends.
Incorrect: J'ai comprend.
Correct: J'ai compris.
Past participle is compris.
Good to know
Tu as compris ? is a friendly check after instructions. Learners live on je ne comprends pas—pair it with plus lentement, s'il te plaît.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Explaining a metro route
ChatPal
Tu comprends ? Ligne 4 jusqu'à Châtelet.
Do you understand? Line 4 to Châtelet.
You
Oui, je comprends. Après je change.
Yes, I understand. Then I change.
ChatPal
Parfait. Dis-moi si tu n'as pas compris un truc.
Perfect. Tell me if you didn't get something.
You
C'est clair. Merci.
It's clear. Thanks.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"to understand" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "to understand" in French
How do you conjugate comprendre in the present?
Je comprends, tu comprends, il/elle comprend, nous comprenons, vous comprenez, ils/elles comprennent.
What is the past participle?
Compris.
How do I say I don't understand?
Je ne comprends pas.
How do you pronounce comprendre?
Kom-PRAHNDR.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
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