A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I don't understand" in French
The essential French phrase for when you're lost in conversation or instructions. Use it politely!
Je ne comprends pas.
zhuh nuh kohn-prahn PAHneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Say this when a shopkeeper gives you directions, a waiter explains the menu, or someone speaks too quickly. It's a polite way to signal you need clarification.
Alternatives
- J'ai pas compris.More casual, often used among friends.
- Pardon ?Use this if you missed just the last word or phrase, not the whole meaning.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'comprends'
The 'en' is a nasal vowel, don't pronounce the 'n' separately. The final 's' is silent.
Silent 'e'
Don't pronounce the 'e' at the end of 'comprends' or 'ne'.
A small cultural note
French culture values clear communication. Don't be embarrassed to use this phrase; it shows you're trying to understand.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How to say I don't understand in French casually?
For a casual setting, you can say 'J'ai pas compris.' This is common among friends and younger people.
What if I only missed one word?
If you only missed a word or two, 'Pardon ?' or 'Comment ?' can work. This signals you want them to repeat just that part.
Is 'Je ne comprends pas' too direct?
No, it's the standard and polite way to say you don't understand. Adding 's'il vous plaît' (please) makes it even softer.
