How to Say ‘I don't understand’ in French
Je ne comprends pas
zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah
[zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]
💬 Usage Tip: In everyday speech, the [ne] is often dropped, so you will frequently hear [Je comprends pas]. Keep the full version for polite careful speech, but learn to recognize both.
Phrase Breakdown
Je
[zhuh]
I
Subject pronoun meaning I.
En classe, je dis « Je ne comprends pas » si c'est trop difficile.
In class, I say “I do not understand” if it is too difficult.
ne
[nuh]
not
Negative particle used with “pas” to form negation in standard French.
En classe, je dis « Je ne comprends pas » si c'est trop difficile.
In class, I say “I do not understand” if it is too difficult.
comprends
[kohm-prahn]
understand
Verb meaning understand; here it is in the first person singular.
En classe, je dis « Je ne comprends pas » si c'est trop difficile.
In class, I say “I do not understand” if it is too difficult.
pas
[pah]
not
The main negative word used with “ne” to mean not.
En classe, je dis « Je ne comprends pas » si c'est trop difficile.
In class, I say “I do not understand” if it is too difficult.
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