How to say "I don't understand" in Spanish and be understood?

Question

If I speak with a native Spanish speaker, and want to say that I am able to speak but I don't understand everything in his language, shall I use "no entiendo" or "no comprendo"? Which one is more logical - "Comprendo, pero no todo" or "Entiendo, pero no todo"? What is the main difference between them?

Etition: I am not a native speaker

Answer 1

Fair enough Quentin, but I don't hear people using 'comprehend' in spoken English. I would 'comprehend' their meaning, but it would sound very formal and odd.

Like swing, I'd like to know the most commonly used verb in español please.

I've said Entiendo, pero solo un poco, todavia estoy aprendiendo.

Not that I've had much opportunity, but there are a few native speakers who go to our salsa parties which happen once a month!

Stilted-yes, and that should be mentioned as the author is not a native English speaker. Thoughtless of me. - 0074b507, MAY 13, 2010

"...estoy aprendiendo..." - --Mariana--, MAY 13, 2010

oh yes Marianne, I think I have probably said that too lol! Poor old brain... - galsally, MAY 14, 2010

Answer 2

In that context they are synonyms. If you look in the dictionary you will see one of the words listed in a definition of the other one.

In English, if I told you that I understood something or that I comprehended something would that not carry the same meaning for you? You're over-thinking it.

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comprehend [kom-pri-jend]

• Comprender, contener, encerrar, incluir en sí alguna cosa, abarcar (include).
• Comprender, conocer, entender, penetrar, concebir (understand).

I am not native English, that's why I over-thought :) thank you! - swing, MAY 13, 2010

Sorry, my bad. - 0074b507, MAY 13, 2010