When to use "comprendo" and "entiendo"

Question

I understand that both these words mean 'I understand', however I was wondering if someone could explain to me in which situation you would use either one. Thanks

Answer 1

Hey, Joe...welcome to the forum!

They are used much the same as they are in English. "Understand" is more common, and "Comprehend" is a bit more....hmmm...formal, I guess?

Entender = understand

Comprender = comprehend

Thank you very much ! So if, for example, your friend was explaining something to you and you wanted to show that you understand what they're explaining, you should use "entiendo" as it's less formal ? - JoeMaGlock, Feb 21, 2013

- nice job Mariana :) - Kiwi-Girl, Feb 21, 2013

You've got it Joe :) - Kiwi-Girl, Feb 21, 2013

Thanks, MC. - --Mariana--, Feb 21, 2013

Yes I am on board with the others. I used entiendo as kind of an immediate thing like I understand what you just said, at least the words, maybe not all the deep meaning, If I ever get to the point of deeper understanding, I mught use comprendo. - kirk1, Feb 21, 2013

Answer 2

They can be used pretty much interchangeably but comprender can suggest a deeper type of understanding.

Also, comprender can also mean 'to include/cover/enclose or to comprise of'

eg: La República Mexicana comprende treinta y un estados y un Distrito Federal.

depending on context comprender can be close in meaning to the English 'comprehensive'.

¡Sí! - --Mariana--, Feb 21, 2013

comprende de - Rey_Mysterio, Feb 22, 2013

Answer 3

Thank you very much ! So if, for example, your friend was explaining something to you and you wanted to show that you understand what they're explaining, you should use "entiendo" as it's less formal ?

Yes. If you said, "I comprehend you, amigo" it would sound a bit off. "Entiendo" is much more common.