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A2 verb 10 min read

entender-se

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips entender-se in 30 Seconds

Explanation entender-se in your Level:

At the A1 level, you primarily learn 'entender' as 'to understand' a language or a fact. However, you might encounter the reflexive 'me entendo' or 'se entendem' in very basic social contexts. The focus here is on the simple idea of 'getting along.' You should learn that 'Eu me entendo com ele' means 'I get along with him.' It is important to start noticing the reflexive pronouns (me, te, se, nos) even if you don't use them perfectly yet. Think of it as a way to say you are friends or you don't fight. At this stage, just focus on the present tense and the preposition 'com'.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'entender-se' to describe relationships with friends, family, and colleagues. You are expected to know the reflexive pronouns for all persons (me, te, se, nos, vos, se). You should understand that 'Eles se entendem' means they have a good relationship. You will also start to see this verb in the past tense ('se entenderam') to indicate that an agreement was reached. This is a key verb for basic social interactions and for describing people's personalities in simple terms. You should also be able to form negative sentences correctly, like 'Eles não se entendem.'

At the B1 level, you move into more abstract uses of 'entender-se.' You might use it to talk about complex social dynamics or reaching compromises in a work environment. You should be comfortable using it in the subjunctive mood, for example: 'Espero que vocês se entendam' (I hope you get along/agree). You will also learn the nuance of 'entender-se' as 'to understand oneself.' This level requires you to handle the placement of pronouns more accurately, especially in European Portuguese where the hyphenated form 'entender-se' is more common in certain grammatical structures.

At the B2 level, you use 'entender-se' with greater precision and in more formal contexts. You can use it to describe legal settlements, political negotiations, or deep psychological states. You should understand the difference between 'entender-se' and its synonyms like 'harmonizar' or 'conciliar.' You will also encounter idiomatic expressions involving the verb. Your ability to use it in all tenses, including the conditional and the future subjunctive, should be solid. You might say, 'Se eles se entendessem, tudo seria mais fácil' (If they got along, everything would be easier).

At the C1 level, you appreciate the subtle nuances of 'entender-se' in literature and high-level discourse. You can use it to describe the 'entendimento' (understanding) between nations or philosophical schools of thought. You understand how the verb can be used ironically or sarcastically in social commentary. Your command of pronoun placement—enclisis, proclisis, and mesoclisis—must be perfect. You might use the verb to describe the internal conflict of a character in a complex narrative, exploring the idea of 'não se entender' as a form of existential crisis.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like grasp of 'entender-se.' You can use it in any register, from street slang to academic papers. You are aware of its historical development and how its usage has shifted over time in different Lusophone countries. You can use it to articulate complex theories of communication or social contract. You can effortlessly switch between 'dar-se bem,' 'entender-se,' and 'coadunar-se' depending on the exact shade of meaning you wish to convey. The verb is no longer just a word to you, but a versatile tool for expressing the intricacies of human and systemic harmony.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

entender-se in 30 Seconds

To get along with someone or have a good relationship.
To reach an agreement or settle a dispute.
To understand oneself or find internal clarity.
To be compatible with or handle something (like technology or pressure).

The Portuguese verb entender-se is a reflexive and reciprocal verb that goes far beyond the simple act of comprehending information. While its root, entender, means 'to understand,' the addition of the reflexive pronoun se shifts the focus toward the relationship between individuals or the internal state of an individual. In its most common social usage, it translates to 'to get along' or 'to have a good rapport' with someone. It implies a level of mutual understanding where words are often unnecessary, or where disagreements are easily resolved because both parties are on the same wavelength.

Social Rapport: This describes the ability of two or more people to coexist harmoniously. If you say 'Eles se entendem muito bem,' you are noting that they have a seamless connection, likely sharing similar values or communication styles.
Agreement and Settlement: In a more transactional or conflict-heavy context, it refers to reaching a consensus. 'Depois de horas, eles finalmente se entenderam' means they finally reached an agreement or settled their differences.
Internal Clarity: Less frequently but importantly, it can mean to understand oneself. 'Eu preciso de um tempo para me entender' suggests a journey of self-reflection and psychological clarity.

A Maria e o João sempre se entendem na hora de cozinhar.

Maria and João always get along well when it's time to cook.

Vocês precisam se entender sobre o orçamento.

You guys need to come to an agreement about the budget.

Eu não me entendo com tecnologia moderna.

I don't get along (or find common ground) with modern technology.

Eles se entenderam apenas com um olhar.

They understood each other with just a glance.

É difícil entender-se com pessoas teimosas.

It is difficult to get along with stubborn people.

This verb is essential for navigating social dynamics in Portuguese-speaking cultures. Whether you are discussing family harmony, workplace collaboration, or a romantic connection, 'entender-se' captures the essence of interpersonal chemistry. It is more formal than 'dar-se bem' but more common in everyday speech than 'harmonizar.' Understanding this word allows you to describe the nuances of human interaction with precision. For example, if two politicians who usually fight finally reach a compromise, the news might report that they 'se entenderam.' If a couple is constantly bickering, a friend might remark that they 'não se entendem.' It is a versatile tool for describing the health of any relationship.

Using entender-se correctly requires attention to reflexive pronouns and the preposition com. Because it is a pronominal verb, the pronoun must match the subject of the sentence. In European Portuguese, the placement rules for these pronouns are quite strict, whereas Brazilian Portuguese is more flexible, often placing the pronoun before the verb even in formal contexts.

First Person Singular (Eu): 'Eu me entendo com ele' (I get along with him). Notice the use of 'me'. In Portugal, this might be 'Entendo-me com ele.'
Third Person Plural (Eles/Elas): 'Eles se entendem perfeitamente' (They understand each other perfectly). Here, 'se' indicates a reciprocal action between the subjects.
Infinitive Usage: 'É importante se entender' (It is important to understand one another). When the verb is in the infinitive, the pronoun 'se' is standard for general statements.

Nós nos entendemos desde o primeiro dia de trabalho.

We have gotten along since the first day of work.

Você e seu irmão se entendem bem?

Do you and your brother get along well?

Espero que vocês se entendam logo.

I hope you guys come to an agreement soon.

When you are using the verb in the past tense, the meaning often shifts slightly toward 'reaching an agreement.' For example, 'Eles se entenderam ontem' implies that after a period of negotiation or disagreement, they finally came to terms. In the present tense, it is more about the ongoing state of the relationship. In negative sentences, the word 'não' attracts the pronoun: 'Eles não se entendem' (They don't get along). This 'attraction' rule is vital for sounding natural. If you are describing a complex situation where multiple people need to coordinate, you might say, 'Todos precisam se entender para o projeto funcionar.' This highlights the collaborative necessity of the verb. It's also worth noting that in colloquial Brazilian Portuguese, people might drop the reflexive pronoun in very casual speech, but for any CEFR A2 learner, keeping the pronoun is essential for grammatical accuracy and clarity. The verb can also be used with objects if you are personifying them, such as 'Eu não me entendo com este computador,' which is a common way to express frustration with technology. In summary, 'entender-se' is the bridge between the internal mind and the external social world, requiring the correct pronoun 'me, te, se, nos, vos, se' to function properly.

You will encounter entender-se in a variety of settings, ranging from intimate family conversations to formal business negotiations. It is a word that describes the 'vibe' or 'chemistry' between people, making it a staple of social commentary. In a domestic setting, parents might use it to talk about their children: 'Os irmãos não se entendem hoje,' meaning the siblings are fighting. In a romantic context, it’s used to describe the compatibility of a couple: 'Eles se entendem só pelo olhar' (They understand each other just by looking).

The Workplace: Colleagues use it to discuss team dynamics. 'Nossa equipe se entende muito bem' indicates high productivity and low conflict.
Legal and Formal Contexts: In news reports or legal discussions, 'entender-se' refers to parties reaching a settlement. 'As empresas se entenderam judicialmente.'
Technology and Tools: It's very common to hear people say they don't 'get along' with a specific software or machine, implying a lack of intuitive understanding.

No final da reunião, os sócios se entenderam sobre as ações.

At the end of the meeting, the partners came to an agreement about the shares.

Eu e a minha sogra nunca nos entendemos de verdade.

My mother-in-law and I never truly got along.

In everyday life, if you are visiting a Portuguese-speaking country, you might hear a waiter and a chef 'se entendendo' in a busy kitchen—a sign of a well-oiled machine. Or, you might hear a local say, 'A gente se entende,' which is a very common, casual way of saying 'We understand each other' or 'We've got this covered.' It reflects a cultural value placed on social harmony and the ability to read between the lines. Because Portuguese culture often relies on high-context communication, the ability to 'entender-se' (to understand each other without explicit detailing) is highly prized. You will also hear it in the negative when someone is frustrated: 'É impossível se entender com esse barulho!' (It's impossible to understand each other/make oneself understood with this noise!). Whether in the boardroom or the living room, 'entender-se' is the go-to verb for describing the quality of human connection.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with entender-se is treating it like the English verb 'to understand' without the reflexive component. In English, 'We understand' can mean we understand a fact or we understand each other. In Portuguese, 'Nós entendemos' usually means 'We understand [something]', while 'Nós nos entendemos' means 'We understand each other' or 'We get along.' Forgetting the pronoun me, te, se, nos is the number one error.

Missing Reflexive Pronoun: Incorrect: 'Eu entendo com ele.' Correct: 'Eu me entendo com ele.' Without the pronoun, the sentence feels incomplete to a native ear.
Wrong Preposition: Incorrect: 'Eu me entendo para ele.' Correct: 'Eu me entendo com ele.' The relationship is always 'with' (com) someone.
Confusing with 'Dar-se bem': While they are similar, 'entender-se' implies a deeper level of communication or agreement, whereas 'dar-se bem' is more about general friendliness.

Erro comum: 'Eles entendem bem.' (They understand well - but what?)
Correto: 'Eles se entendem bem.' (They get along well.)

Another mistake involves the placement of the pronoun in European vs. Brazilian Portuguese. In Portugal, starting a sentence with 'Se entendem...' is considered grammatically incorrect in formal writing; it should be 'Entendem-se...'. However, in Brazil, 'Se entendem' is the standard way people speak and write. Learners often get confused by these regional differences. Additionally, some learners use 'entender-se' when they simply mean they understand a language. If you want to say 'I understand Portuguese,' you just use 'Eu entendo português.' If you say 'Eu me entendo em português,' you are saying 'I can make myself understood/get by in Portuguese,' which is a different nuance. Finally, be careful with the plural forms. 'Nós nos entendemos' is correct, but many learners accidentally say 'Nós se entendemos,' which is a common colloquialism in some Brazilian dialects but is technically incorrect in standard grammar. Sticking to the correct pronoun for each person will make your Portuguese sound much more polished and professional.

Portuguese has several ways to describe relationships and mutual understanding. Knowing the differences between entender-se and its synonyms will help you choose the right word for the right context.

Dar-se bem: This is the most common alternative. It literally means 'to give oneself well' and translates to 'to get along.' It is more casual and general than 'entender-se.' Use 'dar-se bem' for friends and 'entender-se' when there's a specific shared logic or agreement involved.
Combinar: This means 'to match' or 'to suit.' It's often used for people who have similar tastes or whose personalities complement each other. 'Eles combinam muito' (They are a great match).
Harmonizar: A more formal word, often used in professional or artistic contexts. It implies creating a balance or harmony between different elements or people.
Ajustar-se: To adjust oneself. This is used when someone has to change their behavior to fit in with others. 'Ele teve que se ajustar à nova equipe.'

Comparação:
1. Eles se dão bem. (They are friendly.)
2. Eles se entendem. (They have a mutual understanding/connection.)

When choosing between these, consider the 'depth' of the connection. 'Entender-se' implies a mental or logical alignment. If you are talking about a technical team that works perfectly together, 'entender-se' is better than 'dar-se bem.' If you are talking about two people who just like to party together, 'dar-se bem' is more appropriate. There is also the verb 'acordar' (to agree/to wake up), but 'entender-se' is more about the process of reaching that agreement and the relationship behind it. In more poetic or literary Portuguese, you might find 'comungar' (to share/commune), which represents a very high level of shared belief or feeling. For learners at the A2 level, mastering 'entender-se' and 'dar-se bem' will cover 90% of your needs when describing how people interact. Lastly, 'entender-se' can be used for self-discovery ('me entender'), where synonyms like 'conhecer-se a si mesmo' (to know oneself) provide a more formal alternative.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"As partes contratantes entenderam-se quanto às cláusulas de rescisão."

Neutral

"Eles se entendem muito bem no dia a dia."

Informal

"A gente se entende, não esquenta!"

Child friendly

"Você e seu amiguinho se entendem na hora de brincar?"

Slang

"Eu não me entendo patavina com esse cara."

Fun Fact

The reflexive 'se' was added later in the development of Romance languages to express the reciprocal nature of understanding between people.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ẽ.tẽ.ˈdeɾ.sə/

US /ẽ.tẽ.ˈdeɾ.si/

The stress is on the second-to-last syllable of the verb 'en-ten-DER'.

Rhymes With

viver-se ver-se crer-se querer-se dizer-se fazer-se poder-se saber-se

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'e' in 'se' like 'see' instead of 'suh' or 'si'.
Stress on the first syllable.
Failing to nasalize the 'en' sounds.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'entender', but the reflexive pronoun can be tricky.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct pronoun usage and preposition 'com'.

Speaking 4/5

Pronoun placement (proclisis vs enclisis) is a common hurdle for learners.

Listening 3/5

Nasal sounds and fast speech can make 'se entendem' sound like one word.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

entender eu você com bem

Learn Next

dar-se bem acordo relacionamento concordar discutir

Advanced

harmonizar conciliar mesóclise ênclise próclise

Grammar to Know

Reflexive Pronouns

Eu ME entendo, Tu TE entendes, Ele SE entende.

Preposition 'com'

Eu me entendo COM você.

Negative Attraction

Eles NÃO SE entendem (not 'Não entendem-se').

European vs Brazilian Placement

EP: Entendem-se / BP: Se entendem.

Subjunctive Mood

Espero que vocês SE ENTENDAM.

Examples by Level

Eu me entendo com minha mãe.

I get along with my mother.

Uses 'me' for 'eu' and 'com' for the person.

Eles se entendem bem.

They get along well.

'Se' is used for the third person plural.

Você se entende com ele?

Do you get along with him?

Interrogative sentence with reflexive pronoun.

Nós nos entendemos na escola.

We get along at school.

'Nos' is the reflexive pronoun for 'nós'.

Ela não se entende com o irmão.

She doesn't get along with her brother.

'Não' comes before the pronoun 'se'.

O cão e o gato se entendem.

The dog and the cat get along.

Animals can be the subject of 'entender-se'.

Eu não me entendo com o computador.

I don't get along with the computer.

Personification of an object.

Vocês se entendem?

Do you (plural) get along?

Plural 'vocês' uses 'se'.

Eles se entenderam após a briga.

They came to an agreement after the fight.

Past tense 'entenderam' indicates a resolved conflict.

É difícil se entender com pessoas chatas.

It is hard to get along with annoying people.

Infinitive 'se entender' in a general statement.

Nós nos entendemos muito bem no trabalho.

We get along very well at work.

Reflexive 'nos' with the verb 'entender'.

Vocês precisam se entender sobre o projeto.

You need to come to an agreement about the project.

'Se entender' used as 'to reach an agreement'.

Eu me entendo melhor com a Maria do que com a Ana.

I get along better with Maria than with Ana.

Comparative structure with 'melhor que'.

Eles nunca se entendem na hora de escolher um filme.

They never agree when it's time to choose a movie.

Frequentative 'nunca' with the present tense.

Você e seu pai já se entenderam?

Have you and your father reached an agreement yet?

'Já' with the past tense.

O Manuel e o Joaquim entendem-se às mil maravilhas.

Manuel and Joaquim get along perfectly.

European Portuguese style with hyphenated 'entendem-se'.

Espero que eles se entendam durante a viagem.

I hope they get along during the trip.

Present subjunctive 'se entendam' after 'espero que'.

Se nós nos entendêssemos, o trabalho seria mais fácil.

If we got along, the work would be easier.

Imperfect subjunctive 'nos entendêssemos'.

Ela está tentando se entender consigo mesma.

She is trying to understand herself.

Reflexive use for self-discovery with 'consigo mesma'.

É importante que os vizinhos se entendam.

It's important that neighbors get along.

Subjunctive mood after 'é importante que'.

Ninguém se entende nesta confusão!

No one can understand each other in this mess!

'Ninguém' acts as the subject and pulls 'se' to the front.

Eles se entenderam por meio de um tradutor.

They understood each other through a translator.

Using 'por meio de' to show the method of understanding.

Quero que vocês se entendam quanto ao preço.

I want you to agree regarding the price.

Subjunctive 'se entendam' for agreement.

Apesar das diferenças, eles se entendem.

Despite the differences, they get along.

Concessive clause 'Apesar das diferenças'.

Os advogados se entenderam e evitaram o tribunal.

The lawyers reached an agreement and avoided court.

Professional context meaning 'settled'.

É fundamental que a equipe se entenda para bater as metas.

It is fundamental that the team gets along to hit the goals.

Complex sentence with 'fundamental que'.

Eles se entendem no silêncio, sem precisar de palavras.

They understand each other in silence, without needing words.

Poetic usage of the reciprocal verb.

O governo e a oposição não se entendem sobre a reforma.

The government and the opposition do not agree on the reform.

Political context for 'agreement'.

Eu me entendo bem com a pressão do dia a dia.

I handle the daily pressure well.

Metaphorical use meaning 'to handle' or 'be compatible with'.

Caso eles se entendam, assinaremos o contrato amanhã.

In case they come to an agreement, we will sign the contract tomorrow.

Future subjunctive 'se entendam' after 'Caso'.

Eles se entendem por sinais desde que eram crianças.

They have understood each other through signs since they were children.

'Desde que' with present tense for ongoing action.

Não me entendo com as regras deste condomínio.

I don't agree with/get along with the rules of this building.

Reflexive verb used for disagreement with abstract concepts.

A complexidade da alma humana impede que nos entendamos plenamente.

The complexity of the human soul prevents us from fully understanding ourselves.

High-level philosophical usage.

As duas teorias se entendem em certos pontos fundamentais.

The two theories align on certain fundamental points.

Using the verb for abstract intellectual concepts.

Oxalá os povos se entendam e a paz prevaleça.

Would that the peoples understand each other and peace prevail.

Use of the archaic/formal 'Oxalá' with subjunctive.

Ele é um homem que não se entende com a própria sombra.

He is a man who doesn't even get along with his own shadow.

Idiomatic expression for a very difficult person.

Entender-se-ão os ministros antes da cimeira começar?

Will the ministers reach an agreement before the summit begins?

Mesoclisis (future tense with pronoun in the middle) - very formal EP.

Houve um esforço hercúleo para que as partes se entendessem.

There was a Herculean effort so that the parties would come to an agreement.

Use of 'hercúleo' and 'para que' with imperfect subjunctive.

Eles se entendem num nível metafísico que escapa à razão.

They understand each other on a metaphysical level that escapes reason.

Highly abstract and literary usage.

O autor e a sua obra nem sempre se entendem.

The author and his work do not always align/get along.

Personification of 'obra' (work/book).

A hermenêutica busca o ponto onde o texto e o leitor se entendem.

Hermeneutics seeks the point where the text and the reader meet/understand each other.

Academic context.

Se as nações não se entenderem, o colapso climático será inevitável.

If nations do not come to an agreement, climate collapse will be inevitable.

Conditional structure with high stakes.

A dialética permite que opostos se entendam numa nova síntese.

Dialectics allows opposites to find common ground in a new synthesis.

Philosophical/Hegelian terminology.

É no âmago do conflito que os homens raramente se entendem.

It is in the core of conflict that men rarely find mutual understanding.

Use of 'âmago' (core/heart).

A diplomacia é a arte de fazer com que inimigos se entendam sem armas.

Diplomacy is the art of making enemies reach an agreement without weapons.

Definition-style sentence.

Não obstante as querelas, os cientistas se entenderam quanto aos dados.

Notwithstanding the quarrels, the scientists agreed on the data.

Use of 'Não obstante' (formal) and 'querelas' (quarrels).

O eu lírico se entende com o mundo através da metáfora.

The lyrical 'I' connects with the world through metaphor.

Literary analysis terminology.

A parca comunicação impediu que os sócios se entendessem a tempo.

The sparse communication prevented the partners from agreeing in time.

Formal vocabulary ('parca', 'impediu que').

Common Collocations

se entender com alguém

se entender bem

se entender mal

finalmente se entender

precisar se entender

nunca se entender

se entender por sinais

se entender consigo mesmo

se entender sobre algo

não se entender com tecnologia

Common Phrases

A gente se entende.

— We understand each other / We've got this.

Não se preocupe, a gente se entende.

Eles se entendem só de olhar.

— They understand each other with just a glance.

São tão amigos que se entendem só de olhar.

Não me entendo com isso.

— I don't get along with this / I don't understand how to use this.

Não me entendo com este novo sistema.

Vamos nos entender.

— Let's reach an agreement.

Sentem-se, vamos nos entender.

Eles se entendem às mil maravilhas.

— They get along perfectly / wonderfully.

Os novos vizinhos se entendem às mil maravilhas.

Cada um se entende como pode.

— Everyone gets by/understands themselves as best they can.

A vida é difícil, cada um se entende como pode.

Se entenda com ele!

— Go sort it out with him! (Often used in frustration).

Eu não vou ajudar, se entenda com ele!

Eles não se entendem mais.

— They don't get along anymore.

O casal não se entende mais.

Tentar se entender.

— To try to reach a common ground.

Eles estão tentando se entender.

Se entender judicialmente.

— To reach a legal settlement.

As empresas se entenderam judicialmente.

Often Confused With

entender-se vs entender

'Entender' is just to comprehend info; 'entender-se' is to get along.

entender-se vs compreender-se

Very similar, but 'entender-se' is more common for social rapport.

entender-se vs conhecer-se

To know each other, but not necessarily to get along.

Idioms & Expressions

"entender-se com os seus botões"

— To think to oneself or reflect silently.

Ele ficou a entender-se com os seus botões o dia todo.

informal/literary

"não se entender com a própria sombra"

— To be an extremely difficult or irritable person.

Ele está tão mal-humorado que não se entende com a própria sombra.

informal

"entender-se às mil maravilhas"

— To get along incredibly well.

Eles se entendem às mil maravilhas desde que se conheceram.

informal

"não se entender patavina"

— To not understand a single thing (usually about a subject).

Eu não me entendo patavina com física quântica.

slang/informal

"entender-se por gente"

— Since one can remember / since childhood.

Eu gosto de música desde que me entendo por gente.

neutral

"se entender no escuro"

— To have a very deep, almost instinctive connection.

Eles são parceiros há tanto tempo que se entendem no escuro.

informal

"cada um se entende"

— To each their own / Everyone has their own way.

Ele tem hábitos estranhos, mas cada um se entende.

casual

"se entender com o travesseiro"

— To think about something before sleeping.

Vou me entender com o travesseiro antes de decidir.

informal

"não se entender com as palavras"

— To be unable to express oneself clearly.

Ele estava tão nervoso que não se entendia com as palavras.

neutral

"se entender com o destino"

— To accept one's fate.

Ele finalmente se entendeu com o seu destino.

literary

Easily Confused

entender-se vs Entender

Same root.

Entender is transitive (understand something). Entender-se is reflexive (get along).

Eu entendo o livro. / Eu me entendo com o autor.

entender-se vs Dar-se

Both describe relationships.

Dar-se bem is more general. Entender-se implies shared logic or agreement.

Eles se dão bem, mas não se entendem sobre política.

entender-se vs Combinar

Both mean things 'fit'.

Combinar is about matching styles/tastes. Entender-se is about communication.

As roupas combinam. / Os amigos se entendem.

entender-se vs Acordar

Both can mean agreement.

Acordar is a formal act of agreeing. Entender-se is the state of understanding.

Eles se entenderam e acordaram o preço.

entender-se vs Perceber

Used in Portugal for 'understand'.

Perceber is to notice or understand a fact. Entender-se is the social connection.

Eu percebi o erro. / Nós nos entendemos.

Sentence Patterns

Eu me entendo com [Pessoa].

Eu me entendo com meu pai.

Eles se entendem [Advérbio].

Eles se entendem bem.

Espero que [Sujeito] se entendam.

Espero que vocês se entendam.

É difícil se entender com [Pessoa].

É difícil se entender com ele.

Se eles se entendessem, [Resultado].

Se eles se entendessem, seriam felizes.

As partes se entenderam quanto a [Assunto].

As partes se entenderam quanto ao contrato.

Onde [A] e [B] se entendem.

Onde o sonho e a realidade se entendem.

Any

Não me entendo com [Objeto].

Não me entendo com este rádio.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High in social and professional conversation.

Common Mistakes

Eu entendo com ele. → Eu me entendo com ele.
You forgot the reflexive pronoun 'me'.
Nós se entendemos. → Nós nos entendemos.
The pronoun for 'nós' is 'nos', not 'se'.
Eles não entendem-se. → Eles não se entendem.
'Não' attracts the pronoun to the front.
Eu me entendo para ele. → Eu me entendo com ele.
The correct preposition is 'com', not 'para'.
Eles se entendem o livro. → Eles entendem o livro.
Don't use the reflexive 'se' if you are just understanding an object, not each other.

Tips

Pronoun Matching

Always match the pronoun to the subject. 'Eu me', 'Nós nos', 'Eles se'. Using 'se' for everyone is a common learner mistake.

The 'Vibe'

Use 'entender-se' when you want to describe that two people are on the same wavelength. It's about chemistry.

Agreement

Remember that in the past tense, it usually implies a successful negotiation. 'Se entenderam' = 'They reached a deal.'

Nasal Vowels

The 'en' in 'entender' is nasal. Don't pronounce it like the English 'en' in 'pen'. It's closer to the 'an' in 'anchor' but without the 'n' sound at the end.

Conflict Resolution

If you are in a dispute, saying 'Vamos nos entender' (Let's understand each other) is a great way to initiate peace.

Preposition 'com'

Don't forget 'com'. 'Eu me entendo COM meu chefe.' Without 'com', the sentence is broken.

Brazil vs Portugal

In Brazil, put the 'se' before the verb. In Portugal, put it after with a hyphen unless there's a negative word like 'não'.

Self-Reflection

Use 'me entender' when talking about your feelings or identity. 'Estou tentando me entender.'

A gente se entende

This is a very common way to say 'We're cool' or 'We've got this handled' in Brazil.

Technology Frustration

Personify your gadgets! 'Eu não me entendo com este controle remoto' sounds very native.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'In-Tender'. When you 'entender-se' with someone, you are 'in' a 'tender' (kind/good) relationship where you understand each other.

Visual Association

Imagine two people with a glowing bridge connecting their foreheads, representing the 'mutual understanding' of 'se entendem'.

Word Web

entender nos entendemos se entendem com acordo relacionamento harmonia paz

Challenge

Try to write three sentences: one about a friend you get along with, one about a tool you don't get along with, and one about a time you reached an agreement.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'intendere', which meant 'to stretch out', 'to direct one's mind toward', or 'to aim'.

Original meaning: To direct the mind toward something.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but remember that 'não se entender' can be a polite way to say a relationship is failing.

English speakers often just say 'we get along,' but 'entender-se' adds a layer of 'we think alike' or 'we have reached a consensus.'

'Gente que se entende' (People who understand each other) is a common phrase in Brazilian songs. The concept is often explored in the poetry of Fernando Pessoa regarding the difficulty of 'entender-se' with oneself.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family

Os irmãos se entendem?
Eu me entendo com meus pais.
Eles não se entendem.

Work

A equipe se entende bem.
Precisamos nos entender sobre o prazo.
Eles se entenderam na reunião.

Technology

Não me entendo com computadores.
Você se entende com esse app?
Eles se entendem com o sistema.

Romance

Eles se entendem pelo olhar.
Nós nos entendemos perfeitamente.
Eles não se entendem mais.

Legal/Conflict

As partes se entenderam.
Vamos nos entender fora do tribunal.
Eles nunca vão se entender.

Conversation Starters

"Você se entende bem com os seus colegas de trabalho?"

"Com quem na sua família você mais se entende?"

"Você se entende bem com as novas tecnologias ou prefere as antigas?"

"O que é mais importante para um casal se entender: paciência ou conversa?"

"Você já teve dificuldade para se entender com alguém de outra cultura?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre uma pessoa com quem você se entende perfeitamente.

Descreva um momento em que você e outra pessoa finalmente se entenderam após uma briga.

Você se entende bem consigo mesmo? O que você faz para se conhecer melhor?

Pense em um objeto ou ferramenta com o qual você não se entende. Por que é difícil?

Como a sua vida mudaria se todas as pessoas no mundo se entendessem?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Mostly, yes, in a social context. However, it can also mean 'to reach an agreement' (Eles se entenderam sobre o preço) or 'to understand oneself' (Preciso me entender).

'Se entendem' is the standard placement in Brazil. 'Entendem-se' is the formal placement in Portugal, especially at the start of a sentence.

Yes, metaphorically. If you say 'Não me entendo com este computador,' it means you find it difficult to use or you don't 'click' with it.

Yes, slightly. 'Dar-se bem' is very casual. 'Entender-se' suggests a more intellectual or communicative connection.

You say 'Nós nos entendemos.'

The preposition 'com' (with) is used when you mention the person you get along with.

It is 'Eu me entendo.' You must match the pronoun to the person (Eu/me, Tu/te, Ele/se, Nós/nos).

Yes. 'Eles se entenderam' often means they finally reached an agreement after a discussion.

Use it after expressions of desire or doubt: 'Espero que vocês se entendam.'

The direct opposite is 'desentender-se' (to have a falling out or disagreement).