I can't understand Meaning in English

expression · lemma: can't understand

US

ˈaɪ/ /ˈkænt/ /ˌəndɝˈstænd

eye KANT un-der-STAND

UK

ˈaɪ/ /kɑːnt/ /ˌʌndəstˈænd

eye KAHNT UN-duh-STAND

Definition

This phrase means you are unable to comprehend something that someone said, wrote, or explained.

Usage & Nuances

Commonly used in spoken English when having trouble with language, accents, or complex ideas. Polite to add 'Sorry' or 'Could you repeat that?' before or after. In academic settings, use 'I don't understand.'

• Spanish: no puedo entender
• Portuguese (BR): não consigo entender
• Portuguese (PT): não consigo entender
• Chinese (Simplified): 我听不懂 - 我无法理解
• Chinese (Traditional): 我聽不懂 - 我無法理解
• Hindi: मैं समझ नहीं सकता/सकती
• Arabic: لا أستطيع أن أفهم
• Bengali: আমি বুঝতে পারছি না
• Russian: я не понимаю
• Japanese: わかりません - 理解できません
• Vietnamese: tôi không hiểu
• Korean: 이해하지 못하겠어요 - 이해가 안 돼요
• Turkish: anlayamıyorum
• Urdu: مجھے سمجھ نہیں آتا
• Indonesian: saya tidak mengerti

Example Sentences

I can't understand what you're saying.

basic

Sorry, I can't understand this sentence.

basic

I can't understand why it's so expensive.

basic

Could you repeat that? I can't understand your accent very well.

natural

Every time I read these instructions, I can't understand them.

natural

If you go too fast, I can't understand anything.

natural