Entendidos

Entendidos is a Spanish noun used to designate people who have deep knowledge, discernment, or refined taste in a particular field. The term is most often plural as los entendidos, but it can also appear in the singular as un entendido. It may refer to a group or to individuals who are considered connoisseurs or experts. The adjective form entendido (as in “un entendido en…” or “una persona entendida en…”) describes someone who is well versed in a specific area.

Origins and usage: Entendido derives from entender, a verb whose roots lie in Latin intendere, with the participle entendido entering Spanish usage to signal someone who understands or is versed. In contemporary usage, the noun emphasizes practical knowledge, discernment, and judgment, rather than merely theoretical familiarity. The term is common in cultural criticism, journalism, and everyday speech.

Contexts and collocations: Entendidos frequently appear in phrases like “los entendidos en arte,” “entendidos en vinos,” or “entendidos en tecnología.” It can signal credibility attributed by experience, study, or refined sensibility, and is often used to indicate that a statement is informed by specialists rather than by casual observers. It can refer to both amateurs with substantial knowledge and professionals.

Synonyms and nuances: Related terms include conocedores, expertos, especialistas, and sabios. Entendidos implies a level of discernment and taste; it can, however, carry a slightly exclusive or pretentious tone if used to separate a small group from a general audience.