The Subjunctive Mood of Entender is used to express desires, doubts, or uncertainties about understanding something, for example: Espero que entiendas la importancia de este proyecto. (I hope you understand the importance of this project.)

Entender is a stem-changing verb, meaning the vowel in the stem changes from e to ie in all subjunctive forms except nosotros and vosotros.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Entender (to understand) in the Subjunctive Mood tense (Castilian Spanish):

Entender generally means “to understand”, but has several different meanings in the Subjunctive Mood, some of which might surprise you.

To comprehend: For example, Es importante que entiendas las instrucciones. (It’s important that you understand the instructions.)

To interpret: For example, No entiendo que quieras hacer eso. (I don’t understand why you want to do that.)

To perceive: For example, Entiendo que estás molesto. (I perceive that you’re upset.)

To imply (colloquial): For example, ¿Entiendes lo que te digo? (Do you get what I’m saying?)

To agree (colloquial): For example, Entiendo, entiendo, no hace falta que sigas explicando. (I get it, I get it, no need to keep explaining.)

Examples

Examples of Entender in the Subjunctive Mood

Es importante que entiendas las instrucciones antes de comenzar. (It’s important that you understand the instructions before starting.)

Ojalá que entiendan la importancia de reciclar. (I hope they understand the importance of recycling.)

Para que podamos resolver este problema, es necesario que entendamos todas las perspectivas. (In order for us to solve this problem, it’s necessary that we understand all perspectives.)

Aunque no estés de acuerdo, es crucial que entiendas su punto de vista. (Even if you don’t agree, it’s crucial that you understand their point of view.)

El jefe quiere que todos entiendan las nuevas políticas de la empresa. (The boss wants everyone to understand the company’s new policies.)

Mis padres insisten en que entienda la importancia de ahorrar para el futuro. (My parents insist that I understand the importance of saving for the future.)

Antes de viajar, asegúrate de que entiendas las costumbres locales para evitar ofender a alguien. (Before traveling, make sure you understand the local customs to avoid offending someone.)

Es fundamental que entendamos los riesgos asociados con esta actividad extrema. (It’s essential that we understand the risks associated with this extreme activity.)

Aunque no estés de acuerdo con sus creencias, es importante que entiendas su perspectiva cultural. (Even if you don’t agree with their beliefs, it’s important that you understand their cultural perspective.)

Para tener éxito en este negocio, es clave que entiendan las necesidades de los clientes. (To be successful in this business, it’s key that they understand the needs of the customers.)

Mamá quiere que entiendas que debes estudiar duro para tener un futuro brillante. (Mom wants you to understand that you must study hard to have a bright future.)

Aunque sea difícil, es importante que entiendas las consecuencias de tus acciones. (Even though it’s difficult, it’s important that you understand the consequences of your actions.)

Para que nuestra relación funcione, es necesario que entendamos y respetemos nuestras diferencias. (For our relationship to work, it’s necessary that we understand and respect our differences.)

Ojalá que el gobierno entienda la urgencia de abordar el cambio climático. (I hope the government understands the urgency of addressing climate change.)

Es crucial que entiendan la importancia de la seguridad cibernética en esta era digital. (It’s crucial that they understand the importance of cybersecurity in this digital age.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Entender (to understand) in the Subjunctive Mood tense (Castilian Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Castilian Spanish. For Latin American Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Subjunctive mood is also known as the Simple Subjunctive, Subjunctive Present, or Present Subjunctive Mood in English, and as Presente de Subjuntivo, Subjuntivo Presente, Presente del Modo Subjuntivo, or Tiempo Presente del Subjuntivo in Spanish.