Getting by
How to say “I don't understand” in Spanish
“No entiendo” is the most useful sentence for a beginner. It is correct and polite, and people will usually slow down or repeat. Add “por favor” and a question for the best result.
In Spanish
No entiendo
I don't understand
Say it: noh ehn-TYEHN-doh
Other ways to say “I don't understand”
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No comprendo
I don't understand
A little more formal or bookish; common in spain.
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No te entiendo
I don't understand you
To one person; formal: no le entiendo.
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¿Puede repetir, por favor?
Can you repeat that, please?
Polite and very useful.
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Más despacio, por favor
Slower, please
Ask when someone speaks fast.
Example sentences
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Perdón, no entiendo. ¿Puede hablar más despacio?
Sorry, I don't understand. Can you speak more slowly?
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No entiendo esta palabra.
I don't understand this word.
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No entiendo nada.
I don't understand anything.
Good to know
- “Entender” changes the vowel: entiendo, entiendes, entiende (e becomes ie).
- Saying “no entiendo” is much more helpful than staying silent: native speakers will usually rephrase simply.
Questions about “I don't understand” in Spanish
How do you say “I don't understand” in Spanish?
“I don't understand” in Spanish is “No entiendo” (I don't understand). It is pronounced noh ehn-TYEHN-doh. You can also say “No comprendo”, “No te entiendo”, “¿Puede repetir, por favor?”.
How do you pronounce “No entiendo”?
“No entiendo” sounds like noh ehn-TYEHN-doh. The capital letters mark the stressed syllable. Tap the speaker on this page to hear it.
What are other ways to say “I don't understand” in Spanish?
“No comprendo” (I don't understand): a little more formal or bookish; common in Spain. “No te entiendo” (I don't understand you): to one person; formal: no le entiendo. “¿Puede repetir, por favor?” (Can you repeat that, please?): polite and very useful. “Más despacio, por favor” (Slower, please): ask when someone speaks fast.
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