Meaning
To indicate a lack of comprehension.
Cultural Background
Brazilians are generally very patient with learners. If you say 'Não entendi', they will often try to explain using different words or gestures rather than just repeating the same sentence louder. In Portugal, using 'Não percebi' is the standard. Using 'Não entendi' is understood but might mark you immediately as a student of Brazilian Portuguese. In Luanda, you might hear 'Não apanhei' (literally: I didn't catch it) used informally to mean 'I didn't understand'.
The 'Nada' Add-on
Add 'nada' at the end ('Não entendi nada') to emphasize that you are completely lost. It’s very common and sounds natural.
Don't just say 'O quê?'
While 'O quê?' is common, saying 'Não entendi' is much more polite and shows you are trying to learn.
Meaning
To indicate a lack of comprehension.
The 'Nada' Add-on
Add 'nada' at the end ('Não entendi nada') to emphasize that you are completely lost. It’s very common and sounds natural.
Don't just say 'O quê?'
While 'O quê?' is common, saying 'Não entendi' is much more polite and shows you are trying to learn.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct way to say 'I didn't understand' in a neutral way.
Alguém fala com você, mas você não sabe o que a pessoa disse. O que você diz?
'Não entendi' is the past tense used for a specific moment of confusion.
Complete the sentence with the correct word.
Desculpe, eu não ______ nada.
In this context, you are reporting a lack of understanding that just occurred.
Match the phrase to the correct region.
Where would you most likely hear 'Não percebi'?
'Perceber' is the preferred verb for 'to understand' in European Portuguese.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Onde fica a farmácia?' B: 'Fica logo ali atrás do sinaleiro.' A: 'Desculpe, ______.'
The speaker is reacting to the specific information just given.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAlguém fala com você, mas você não sabe o que a pessoa disse. O que você diz?
'Não entendi' is the past tense used for a specific moment of confusion.
Desculpe, eu não ______ nada.
In this context, you are reporting a lack of understanding that just occurred.
Where would you most likely hear 'Não percebi'?
'Perceber' is the preferred verb for 'to understand' in European Portuguese.
A: 'Onde fica a farmácia?' B: 'Fica logo ali atrás do sinaleiro.' A: 'Desculpe, ______.'
The speaker is reacting to the specific information just given.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNot at all! It's a neutral and necessary phrase for communication. Adding 'por favor' or 'desculpe' makes it even better.
'Entendi' is for everyday life. 'Compreendi' is for formal writing or deep intellectual concepts.
It's a very informal way to say 'What?' or 'I didn't catch that'. It's common among friends.
Related Phrases
Não compreendi
synonymI didn't comprehend.
Como?
similarHow? / What?
Pode repetir?
builds onCan you repeat?
