If you are going to be in a situation were you will be exposed to an environment in which the predominant language is French and English is not a viable option for communication, learning how to say I don't understand in French is essential. It is one of the many key phrases that one should know going into such a situation. This page will help you learn how to say this phrase in French as well as other similar phrases which may be used to express a lack of understanding.
Admitting to a person that you do not understand what they are saying can often times result in further efforts being taken by the speaker to be understood. Stating that you do not understand may cause the person speaking to slow his or her speech rhythm, accentuate his or her pronunciation, even prompt the utilization of additional hand gestures and other expressions which may help you in understanding the gist of what was originally being said to you.
How to Say "I Don't Understand" in French
In this video series Margaret Frances teaches you common French words and phrases. In this video we learn how to say 'I don't understand'. This video is part of a wider series of videos about the French language, which are published on the Mahalo.com channel of YouTube.
Step 1: Translating and Pronouncing the Phrase
The phrase, "I don't understand," is literally translated to French as, "Je ne comprends pas."
The pronunciation of the phrase is: zhe nhe comp-rehn pah.
Try to avoid stressing any one syllable over another in any of the words that comprise the phrase. Most French words, unlike English words, should be pronounced with equal stress being applied to each syllable.http://www.bbc.co.uk/languages/french/lj/pronunciation/emphasis.shtml
Step 2: Similar Phrases
Other phrases which are similar to, "I don't understand," or that may illicit a similar response are as follows.
I didn't understand. Je ne comprenais pas.
Excuse me, I didn't understand you. Excusez-moi, je ne vous ai pas compris. http://www.french-flashcards.com/translate-sentence-32
If you lack even a passing knowledge of the French language, under those circumstances it might be prudent of you to express that fact to the speaker by saying:
I don't speak French. Je ne parle pas francais.
Step 3: Grammatical Construction
In learning quick key phrases in a foreign language, over analysis of the grammar involved may confuse you when the moment comes to use the phrase; however, being aware of some basic grammatical concepts in the structure of the phrase being used can help you.
In the case of je ne comprends pas one key element in French grammar can be seen which to an English speaker might seem odd. To express a total negation in French the words ne pas are used. Ne is placed before the verb and pas immediately after.http://www.french-linguistics.co.uk/grammar/negative.shtml
More How To Speak French Videos on Mahalo
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- How to Say How Are You in French
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- How to Say Where is the Phone in French
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- How to Flirt in French
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References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
If you are planning to travel to a predominantly French speaking country, key phrases such as, "I don't understand," should be learned
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Fact:
Stating to a person that you do not understand them will frequently occasion them to simplify their communication in order to be understood
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Fact:
The literal and practical translation for "I don't understand," is je ne comprends pas
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Fact:
The phrase is pronounced: zhe nhe comp-rehn pah
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Fact:
In French, the words ne pas are used to express a total negation. Ne comes precedes the verb, pas follows it.
