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"Comprender" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to understand", and "compadecer" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to pity". Learn more about the difference between "comprender" and "compadecer" below.
comprender(
kohm
-
prehn
-
dehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to understand
Es importante comprender los problemas a los que se enfrenta el país.It's important to understand the problems the country is facing.
a. to include
Esta guía comprende información útil acerca de todos los parques nacionales.This guide includes useful information about all of the national parks.
comprenderse
A reciprocal verb is a verb that indicates that two or more subjects perform an action on each other (e.g., Ellos se abrazan.).
a. to understand each other
Mis dos hermanas no se comprenden. Son personas muy diferentes.My two sisters don't understand each other. They are very different people.
compadecer(
kohm
-
pah
-
deh
-
sehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to pity
Compadezco a tu esposa ya que tiene que aguantarte a ti.I pity your wife since she has to put up with you.
b. to feel sorry for
Alfredo compadeció a la mujer sin hogar y le dio algo de dinero.Alfredo felt sorry for the homeless woman and gave her some money.
c. to sympathize with (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Compadezco a cualquier persona que tenga que trabajar con Carmen.I sympathize with anyone who has to work with Carmen.
d. to sympathise with (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Compadezco a estos jóvenes que no encuentran trabajo.I sympathise with these young people who can't find work.
compadecerse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to pity
Es imposible no compadecerse de este pobre chico que lo ha perdido todo.It's impossible not to pity this poor boy who's lost everything.
b. to feel sorry for
Mi padre tiende a compadecerse de sí mismo.My dad has a tendency to feel sorry for himself.
c. to take pity on (by taking action)
Hay que compadecerse de estos refugiados y tratar de ayudarlos.We need to take pity on these refugees and to try to help them.
a. to fit with
Esta descripción no se compadece con la realidad.This description doesn't fit with reality.
b. to accord with
El comportamiento de Emilio no se compadece con las normas de esta institución.Emilio's behavior doesn't accord with the norms of this institution.
c. to be in keeping with
Tus acciones no se compadecen con tus palabras.Your actions aren't in keeping with your words.
