verb HSK 2
to not understand · to not know · to be ignorant of
Meaning
不懂 is a common negation meaning 'to not understand' or 'to lack knowledge of something'. It combines the negative particle 不 (bù) with the verb 懂 (dǒng, 'to understand'). It's used when someone doesn't comprehend information, doesn't know how to do something, or lacks understanding of a subject or skill.
Usage
Native speakers use 不懂 in everyday conversation to express lack of understanding or knowledge. It's neutral in register and can refer to not understanding language, concepts, skills, or situations. Common patterns include 听不懂 (can't understand when listening) and 看不懂 (can't understand when reading). It's often followed by the object of what isn't understood.
Examples
- 01我不懂你在说什么。.I don't understand what you're saying.
- 02他对电脑完全不懂。.He doesn't understand computers at all.
Characters
Common collocations
- 听不懂can't understand (by listening)
- 看不懂can't understand (by reading/looking)
- 不懂装懂to pretend to understand when one doesn't