Do you understand
Informal version for 'tú'. Use with friends, family, and people your age.
A close synonym for '¿Entiende?'. Both mean 'understand', and are often interchangeable in basic conversation.
Means 'Is it clear?'. Used to confirm that instructions or information have been understood, often by a teacher or person in authority.
Literally 'Do I explain myself?'. It means 'Am I making myself clear?' and shifts the focus to the speaker's explanation.
The store closes at eight. Do you understand?
You have to turn right. Do you understand?
To confirm, you need your passport and the ticket. Do you understand?
The homework is for Monday. Is that clear?
A: Do you understand? B: No, I don't understand. Can you repeat, please?
In Spain, the informal plural form '¿entendéis?' is used when speaking to a group of friends or peers. In Latin America, '¿entienden?' is used for all plural situations (formal and informal).
The 'vos' pronoun is used instead of 'tú', so the informal question becomes '¿entendés?'. The pronunciation of the final 's' is also softer.
Both '¿entiendes?' (tú) and '¿entiende?' (usted) are standard. In some regions of Colombia, it's common to use the formal 'usted' even with close friends and family.
Using the wrong level of formality, for example, saying '¿Entiendes?' to an older person or someone in a position of authority. — Always use the formal '¿Entiende?' in these situations to show respect. '¿Entiende, señora?' is correct, while '¿Entiendes, señora?' can sound rude.
Using the unconjugated verb. A common beginner error is to ask '¿Usted entender?' — You must conjugate the verb to match the subject. The correct form is '¿Usted entiende?' or simply '¿Entiende?'.
Replying with 'Sí, comprendo' when asked '¿Entiendes?'. — While not strictly wrong, it's more natural to answer with the same verb used in the question. If someone asks '¿Entiendes?', the best reply is 'Sí, entiendo'.
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how to say spanish pronouns tu vs usted in spanish
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