Spanish Conversation · Level 20
90 words
Spanish word
captar
Pronunciation
IPA/kapˈtaɾ/
Meaning
- verbget
Example
No capto tu punto, explícalo otra vez.
I don't get your point; explain it again.
More examples
Con la explicación clara, ya capto el significado.
With the clear explanation, I now get the meaning.
Core concept
Picking up a speaker's unspoken intention.
Common phrases
captar el significado
get the meaning
captar la idea
get the idea
captar el mensaje
get the message
Similar words
entender: Understands the plain meaning of words or a clear explanation.
pillar: Suddenly grasps the point or punchline of a casual remark.
comprender: Understands the underlying system or background to form a deep, thorough grasp.
Definition in Spanish
Comprender o percibir el sentido o la intención que alguien quiere transmitir, especialmente cuando no se expresa de forma directa.
Word origin
Derived from Latin capere 'to take' through a frequentative captare, the verb shifted from physical taking to perceiving, receiving, or sensing an implication.
Usage tips
- Captar often implies catching subtext or implication, whereas entender denotes general comprehension without that nuance.
Other meanings
- attractverb
- receiveverb
- perceiveverb
Opposites
- malinterpretarmisunderstandverb
Related words
- captacióncapturenoun
- captadounderstoodadjective