A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I dont understand" in Spanish
Politely say 'I don't understand' in Spanish to avoid confusion and ask for clarification.
No entiendo
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Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this when someone is speaking too fast, using words you don't know, or explaining something complex. It's a polite way to signal you need them to repeat or rephrase.
Alternatives
- ¿No comprendo?Slightly more formal, often used in academic or very polite contexts.
- No te entiendo.Use when you specifically don't understand *what that person* is saying.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'entender' with 'intender'
'Entender' means 'to understand'; 'intender' is not a common Spanish verb.
Using 'No comprendo' too casually
'Comprender' can sound a bit more formal than 'entender' in everyday chat.
A small cultural note
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, directly saying 'I don't understand' is perfectly acceptable and expected. It's seen as honest communication, not a sign of disrespect.
Frequently asked
How to say I don't understand in Spanish?
The most common way is 'No entiendo'. This is a neutral phrase that works in most situations.
What's the difference between no entiendo and no comprendo?
'No entiendo' is generally more common in everyday conversation. 'No comprendo' can sometimes sound a bit more formal or imply a deeper lack of comprehension.
How to ask someone to repeat in Spanish?
You can say '¿Puedes repetir, por favor?' (Can you repeat, please?) after saying 'No entiendo'.
What should you say in Spanish if you don't understand?
The most common way to say you don't understand is 'No entiendo.' You can also use 'No comprendo.'
What does the phrase 'no comprende' mean?
'No comprende' literally translates to 'he/she/it/you (formal) does not understand.' In practice, it's often used as a simpler way to say 'I don't understand,' especially by learners.
What does 'lo siento' mean literally?
'Lo siento' literally means 'I feel it.' It is used to express regret or apologize, similar to 'I'm sorry' in English.
