Entendo

Use it as a standalone response or to start a sentence. If a friend explains why they are late, just nod and say entendo. You can also pair it with mas (but) if you disagree. For example: Entendo, mas não concordo. It is like a verbal nod of the head. In text, it works great as a quick acknowledgement. It keeps the conversation flowing without needing a long paragraph.

You can use this in almost any scenario. Use it at the bank when the teller explains fees. Use it when a friend vents about their boss. It is perfect for professional meetings to show you are paying attention. Use it when learning Portuguese and your teacher explains a rule. It shows you are engaged and not just staring blankly. It is the ultimate 'green light' for the speaker to continue.

Don't use it if you actually don't understand. Brazilians are helpful and will try to explain differently if you are honest. Avoid using it repeatedly in a row, or you might sound like a robot. If someone says 'I love you,' do not reply with entendo unless you want a very awkward dinner. It is a cognitive response, not an emotional one. Also, don't use it for physical senses; you don't 'entendo' a loud noise, you 'ouço' (hear) it.

Portuguese speakers value connection and eye contact during talk. Saying entendo or its cousin compreendo acts as social glue. In Brazil, people often overlap speech slightly to show excitement. Entendo is a polite way to bridge those gaps. It shows you are empathetic to the speaker's situation. It is a very 'human' word that builds immediate rapport.

You will often hear eu entendo to add a bit more weight. In more formal settings, people might use compreendo. If you really get it, you might say entendo perfeitamente. In slang, younger crowds might just say tô ligado (I'm switched on/I get it). But entendo remains the king of versatility across all age groups and regions.