HaffiezMike  +  147115 Wed, 12 Oct 05 11:55 AM Do you know what I mean? Do you understand me? The person is from Spain and his teacher said the second one is wrong and that sounds weird! I explained him the difference but he still confused! Can someone help me? Tell me the difference so I can explain to him once again Thank You very much! HaffiezMike Joined on Fri, Jul 9 2004 KL, Malaysia Junior Member 67 I'd be happy to help you guys but I warn : I'm the kind of person who can easily gets confused :) and I'm not so native but been speaking British English since I was...

	Mister Micawber  +  147169 Wed, 12 Oct 05 03:20 PM One look at the dictionary will tell you that the meanings of these two words are deeply entwined; in many common cases (as in your examples), however, they are essentially synonymous, and I find both of your sentences quite natural, standing as they do out of context. I suppose that know usually carries the meaning of having already fixed information in one's mind (Do you know all the capitals of the US states?), while understand suggests comprehending the reality of the situation (Do you understand that I really have a headache tonight and just want to go to sleep?) Here are your examples fitted into what I consider an appropriate context: A policeman pulled me over for speeding, but I was only going 30 kph, so I was really angry, do you know what I mean? (I.e. from your previous knowledge of this kind of unfairness, can you see why I was angry?) And I want you to stay in your room without TV until you finish your homework, do you understand me, young man? (I.e. are you clear on precisely what I expect you to do now?) Mister Micawber Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004 Yokohama Veteran Member 30,825 'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.'

	HaffiezMike  +  147776 Fri, 14 Oct 05 12:30 PM Well Mister hmmm Micawber(?), That's what I've told my friend but he's still confused and what about his teacher? What should he do? Because his teacher said 'Do you understand me' is incorrect but I don't think so. Do you see any wrong? Have you got any other idea? Thanks very much for helping HaffiezMike

	MrPedantic  +  148031 Sat, 15 Oct 05 09:13 AM Hello HM "Do you understand me?" would sound quite aggressive or patronising. So perhaps the teacher said it was inadvisable in certain situations. MrP MrPedantic Joined on Tue, Oct 12 2004 Veteran Member 12,592 ...opella forensis / adducit febris...