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"Entender" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to understand", and "mirar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to look at". Learn more about the difference between "entender" and "mirar" below.
entender(
ehn
-
tehn
-
dehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to understand
Mi hija entiende a los perros mejor que cualquier otra persona en casa.My daughter understands dogs better than anyone else at home.
a. to understand
Como hablo español, puedo entender el portugués escrito.Since I speak Spanish, I can understand written Portuguese.
a. to understand
No entiendo tu enfado, solo dije que no quería salir esta noche.I don't understand why you're annoyed. I only said that I didn't want to go out tonight.
5. (to trust)
a. to believe
Entiéndeme cuando te digo que no quise herir tus sentimientos.Believe me when I tell you I didn't mean to hurt your feelings.
6. (colloquial) (to be of the opinion that)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. to think
Entiendo que es mejor irnos por la mañana para evitar tráfico.I think that it's better if we leave in the morning to avoid traffic.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
b. to understand about
Mi hermana entiende más de ingeniería que yo.My sister understands more about engineering than I do.
a. to hear
El juez Rodríguez entendió en el caso del infame asesino en serie.Judge Rodríguez heard the case of the infamous serial killer.
a. to understand
No entiendo. ¿Por qué se quieren mudar? Pensé que eran felices aquí.I don't understand. Why do you want to move out? I thought you were happy here.
An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
10. (slang) (to be homosexual) (Spain)
A very informal word or phrase used by a particular group or community as a substitute for standard language (e.g., joint, john).
Regionalism used in Spain
a. to be gay
Si entiendes, puedes pasar. Este es un bar solo para gays.If you're gay, you can come in. This is a gay-only bar.
entenderse
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 padres se entienden mejor que cualquier otra pareja.My parents understand each other better than any other couple.
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to have an affair with
Dicen que se entendía con el jardinero.They say she was having an affair with the gardener.
mirar(
mee
-
rahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
b. to watch (implies greater attention or time)
¡Deja de mirarme todo el tiempo! No estoy haciendo nada malo.Stop watching me all the time! I'm not doing anything wrong.
b. to make sure
Mira que tengas todo el dinero en la cartera.Make sure you have all the money in your wallet.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
mirarse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
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 look at each other
Los enamorados se miraron y declararon su amor.The lovers looked at each other and declared their love.
