Portuguese Phrase
Não entendi direito.
Meaning
Literally, “I didn’t understand properly.” It is used when the speaker wants to say that they missed part of the meaning or need the other person to repeat or clarify what was said.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal or semi‑formal conversations when you didn’t catch the full meaning of a statement—classrooms, meetings, phone calls, or casual chats. It signals that you’re interested in clarification without sounding confrontational.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nãoentendidireito
Não (negation)
The adverb ‘não’ negates the verb that follows it; it always comes before the verb in Portuguese.
entendi (preterite of entender)
‘Entendi’ is the first‑person singular preterite of ‘entender’ (to understand). It expresses a completed action in the past.
direito (adverb)
Here ‘direito’ works as an adverb meaning ‘properly, clearly, fully’. It modifies the verb to indicate the quality of the understanding.
🗨In Conversation
O projeto tem que ser entregue até sexta‑feira, às 17h.
The project has to be delivered by Friday at 5 p.m.
Não entendi direito. Você pode repetir, por favor?
I didn’t understand properly. Could you repeat, please?
✕Common Mistakes
Não entendi o direito.
‘Direito’ here is an adverb, not the noun meaning ‘law’ or ‘right’. Do not say ‘Não entendi o direito.’
Não entendo direito.
Using the present ‘entendo’ changes the meaning to ‘I don’t understand properly (now)’, which is less natural for a past misunderstanding.
↔Alternatives
Não compreendi bem.
I didn’t comprehend well.
Não entendi bem.
I didn’t understand well.
Não consegui entender.
I couldn’t understand.
Cultural Tip
In Brazilian Portuguese it’s very common to ask for clarification with a polite ‘Não entendi direito’ rather than saying ‘I don’t get it’. Adding ‘direito’ softens the request and shows you’re eager to grasp the details. In more formal settings you might prefer ‘Desculpe, não compreendi completamente.’