Being able to say “I don’t understand” is essential for any language learner—it’s honest, useful, and often opens the door to deeper learning and connection.
Spanish
1. Word Overview
- Native Phrase: No entiendo
- English Translation: I don’t understand
- Part of Speech: Verb phrase
- IPA Pronunciation: /no enˈtjendo/
2. Example Sentence
- Lo siento, no entiendo lo que dices.
- I’m sorry, I don’t understand what you’re saying.
Entiendo is the first person present form of entender (to understand), a stem-changing verb.
3. Mini Grammar or Culture Note
In formal settings, you might hear No lo entiendo (I don’t understand it). Adding lo adds clarity and politeness. For listening practice, note that native speakers often drop subject pronouns like yo.
4. Daily Practice Challenge
Say No entiendo followed by three things you don’t yet understand in your target language (e.g., No entiendo los números).
Italian
1. Word Overview
- Native Phrase: Non capisco
- English Translation: I don’t understand
- Part of Speech: Verb phrase
- IPA Pronunciation: /non kaˈpisko/
2. Example Sentence
- Mi dispiace, non capisco bene l’italiano.
- I’m sorry, I don’t understand Italian well.
Capisco is the first person of capire (to understand), part of the third conjugation with -isc infix.
3. Mini Grammar or Culture Note
Italians use capire more than comprendere in everyday speech. To be polite, you can add Mi dispiace (I’m sorry) or say Non ho capito to express confusion about something just said.
4. Daily Practice Challenge
Record yourself saying Non capisco with different intonations—confused, polite, surprised.
Portuguese
1. Word Overview
- Native Phrase: Não entendo
- English Translation: I don’t understand
- Part of Speech: Verb phrase
- IPA Pronunciation: /nɐ̃w ẽˈtẽdu/
2. Example Sentence
- Desculpe, não entendo o que você quer dizer.
- Sorry, I don’t understand what you mean.
Entendo is the first person singular of entender (to understand), regular in the present tense.
3. Mini Grammar or Culture Note
In Brazil, using Desculpe or Com licença before Não entendo sounds more courteous. Add muito bem (“very well”) if you’re learning: Não entendo muito bem.
4. Daily Practice Challenge
Practice saying: Não entendo, pode repetir? (I don’t understand, can you repeat?).
German
1. Word Overview
- Native Phrase: Ich verstehe nicht
- English Translation: I don’t understand
- Part of Speech: Verb phrase
- IPA Pronunciation: /ɪç fɛɐ̯ˈʃteːə nɪçt/
2. Example Sentence
- Entschuldigung, ich verstehe nicht, was das bedeutet.
- Excuse me, I don’t understand what that means.
Verstehen is a separable verb in some tenses, but here it stays together in the present tense.
3. Mini Grammar or Culture Note
In German, nicht usually comes after the verb for basic negation. Germans appreciate clear communication—don’t be afraid to say Ich verstehe nicht when you’re unsure.
4. Daily Practice Challenge
Write or say three phrases you’ve heard in German that you didn’t understand and try translating them.
French
1. Word Overview
- Native Phrase: Je ne comprends pas
- English Translation: I don’t understand
- Part of Speech: Verb phrase
- IPA Pronunciation: /ʒə nə kɔ̃.pʁɑ̃ pa/
2. Example Sentence
- Je suis désolé, je ne comprends pas ce que vous dites.
- I’m sorry, I don’t understand what you are saying.
The negation ne…pas surrounds the verb comprends (first person of comprendre).
3. Mini Grammar or Culture Note
In spoken French, ne is often dropped, and you’ll hear Je comprends pas in informal conversation. For politeness, keep ne…pas, especially with strangers.
4. Daily Practice Challenge
Listen to a slow French podcast or video and write down 2–3 sentences you don’t understand. Say aloud: Je ne comprends pas…
Multilingual Bonus
| Language | Phrase | IPA Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | No entiendo | /no enˈtjendo/ |
| Italian | Non capisco | /non kaˈpisko/ |
| Portuguese | Não entendo | /nɐ̃w ẽˈtẽdu/ |
| German | Ich verstehe nicht | /ɪç fɛɐ̯ˈʃteːə nɪçt/ |
| French | Je ne comprends pas | /ʒə nə kɔ̃.pʁɑ̃ pa/ |
These phrases may sound different, but they serve the same essential purpose: helping you learn by admitting when you need help.
