Portuguese · Everyday Verbs
"to understand" in Portuguese: entender
entender
Note: also: compreender
To understand in Portuguese is entender. Say eu entendo and você entende. Compreender is a close synonym, but entender is the everyday verb.
In class
Eu entendo a regra, mas erro na fala.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce entender
Say it
ẽỹ-ten-DEHR / ẽỹ-TEN-doo / ẽỹ-TEN-jee
/ẽ.tẽ.ˈdeʁ/
ẽỹ-ten-DEHR. Eu entendo is ẽỹ-TEN-doo; você entende is ẽỹ-TEN-jee.
"to understand" in Portuguese: quick reference
| Portuguese | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| entender | to understand Dictionary form. | Dictionary form. |
| eu entendo | I understand Present first person. | Present first person. |
| você entende | you understand Checking comprehension. | Checking comprehension. |
| não entendi | I didn't understand Past clarification request. | Past clarification request. |
| entendeu? | got it? / understand? Quick check-in. | Quick check-in. |
How to use entender in real life
- 1In class
Eu entendo a regra, mas erro na fala.
I understand the rule, but I mess up when speaking.
Entendo is the everyday form.
- 2On a call
Você entende o que eu quis dizer?
Do you understand what I meant?
Você entende checks meaning.
- 3Asking to repeat
Não entendi a última frase. Pode repetir?
I didn't understand the last sentence. Can you repeat?
Não entendi is a learner essential.
Mistakes English speakers make with entender
Incorrect: Eu entender você.
Correct: Eu entendo você. / Eu te entendo.
Conjugate: eu entendo.
Incorrect: Eu understand português.
Correct: Eu entendo português.
Use entender, not English understand.
Good to know
Entendeu? is a Brazilian check-in that can mean ‘got it?’ more than a formal quiz. Soften with pode repetir? when you truly need the line again.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Clarifying subway directions
ChatPal
Você entende o mapa do metrô?
Do you understand the metro map?
You
Entendo a linha azul, mas não a verde.
I understand the blue line, but not the green.
ChatPal
Beleza. Eu explico de novo até você entender.
Okay. I'll explain again until you understand.
You
Agora entendi. Obrigada pela paciência.
Now I understood. Thanks for the patience.
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 Portuguese
How do I say I understand?
Eu entendo. Or Entendi for I got it (just now).
How do I say I don't understand?
Não entendo. or Não entendi.
Is compreender okay?
Yes, but entender is more everyday.
What does entendeu? mean?
Got it? / Do you understand?
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
