Is there a subtle difference in usage between entender and comprender?

Question

I have always thought that comprender and entender were interchangeable, but in a recent conversation with a Spaniard, I was saying that I have difficulty in understanding Spanish as spoken by many Mexicans. I said, " No comprendo mucho a los Mexicanos" and he corrected me and said that entender would be better in this case. I took it to mean that I had said that I didn't understand Mexicans as people, such as "I can't understand women" and that by using entender, I would imply a more literal meaning of not understanding how they speak. Anyone have any thoughts?

Thanks,

Jim/Phoenix

Maybe this will help: http://www.spanishdict.com/answers/114208/what-is-the-difference-between-entender-and-comprender - rabbitwho, Nov 1, 2011

Good question:) - FELIZ77, Nov 1, 2011

Answer 1

In English:

The verb understand means to know or realize the meaning of words, a language, or what somebody says.

While the verb comprehend means to understand a fact, idea or reason.

So I personally use the verbs entender and comprender in the same way I use the verbs understand and comprehend.

I hope that helps.

Answer 2

Your idea of having a difference between understanding how they speak and how they are as people is pretty close to the way it actually is. Something else you'll notice a lot is that the usage can vary from location to location too. I usually think of comprender as comprehend and entender as understand if that helps you at all.

Answer 3

Gracias amigos por la ayuda. Es porque me gusta tanto esta tertulia.